Gold Coast Airport Marathon challenges tourism downturn
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 18 2009
2009 >>

Despite the tough tourism market, entries for this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon are up thirty percent on last year, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

“Nearly 19,500 participants from 33 countries have already entered the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this year including countries who haven’t been represented for a few years like Denmark, Hungary, Bermuda and Venezuela, Mr Lawlor said.

“Faced with the economic downturn, bad weather events, Swine Flu and a massive decline in international travel by the Asian market, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon numbers have stood strong.

“Domestic entries are up 30% from Queensland, 19% from New South Wales and 37% from Victoria.

“Japan and New Zealand are still our two major international markets with some good growth from South-east Asia.

“Japan will have more than 1,200 runners which is down from 1,882 in 2008 however considering Japan is deep in recession and reducing travel due to swine flu, it is a positive sign for the Queensland tourism industry.

“Additionally there will be 323 runners flying from New Zealand, 27 from Taiwan, 57 from Singapore and 41 from Hong Kong, all on par or up on last year.

Minister Lawlor said as a Member from the Gold Coast and the Tourism Minister he knows just how important major events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon are for tourism.

“Major events can be significant domestic and international tourism drivers,” Mr Lawlor said.

“That is why the Bligh Government has not backed away from its commitment to leverage its investment in key tourism events.

“Although team entries for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon have now closed, single registrations are open until the day before the event so we can expect these numbers to grow further over the coming weeks and surpass last year’s record figure of 21,012

“Many of the runners from overseas will also travel with friends, family and supporters so the total tourism benefit is expected to be significantly greater.

“Despite the global financial crisis the Bligh Government is keeping events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon going to ensure our tourism industry and those employed in it have a future.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:11 PM