The Gold Coast is offering visitors an extra $50 to spend

In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, which struck in March, a new initiative has been launched to encourage locals and visitors to take a holiday and support local businesses.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has had a devastating impact on the community, tourism, and events industry in Queensland and New South Wales. As part of the Gold Coast recovery effort, the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland have announced a multi-million-dollar stimulus package, including a ‘spend and get’ reward program to support tourism operators.

The LOVE GC Cards launch today with 50,000 cards preloaded with $100 worth of credit. The card costs $50, so visitors will unlock a bonus $50 to spend on over 150 experiences and access to deals across accommodation, dining, and entertainment on the Gold Coast.

HOTA, Home of the Arts, is one of the many Gold Coast attractions where you can use your LOVE GC Card. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate explained the benefits, stating:

“Locals and visitors will be able to use their LOVE GC Cards to take advantage of some incredible deals being offered as part of the campaign at their favourite attractions and experiences as well as a range of dining and accommodation options.”

According to an Impact Survey, the Gold Coast alone lost a staggering $42 million in a single week, affecting 89 per cent of businesses. This is set to have long-term effects, particularly over Easter, with South East Queensland experiencing a 10 per cent decrease in bookings compared to last year and an estimated $300 million in lost revenue.

The Gold Coast lost  $42 million in a single week. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn confirmed the negative impact the cyclone had on the Gold Coast in particular:

“We know the Gold Coast visitor economy is worth over $8 billion annually, and our impact assessment completed with Invest Gold Coast confirmed that the tourism sector felt the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred the greatest.”

Use your GC LOVE Card on amazing hotels like the Dorsett. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Some highlights of the GC Loved Cards initiative include The Dorsett Gold Coast and the Sofitel Gold Coast and entertainment options like the Australian Outback Spectacular and HOTA shows. Cards can be purchased online via lovegcdeals.com from 9am Gold Coast time on March 31.

Mayor Tate shared his enthusiasm for the initiative:

“What better way to show the love and enjoy everything our magical city has to offer than by purchasing a LOVE GC Card and getting another $50 to spend. What’s not to love about that!”.