Gordon, Mr R; Gold Coast Tourism

friends. I wish Bob, Maggie and the children all the best in the next stage of Bob’s life.

As a member from the Gold Coast and the tourism minister, I know the importance of major

events like the Gold Coast marathon to tourism. Major events can be significant domestic and

international tourism drivers. That is why the Bligh government has not backed away from its

commitment to leverage investment in key tourism events.

Whilst the LNP promised at the last election to cut services, jobs and funding, the Bligh

government committed to more tourism funding, more tourism infrastructure and more tourism job

opportunities. Specifically, the Bligh government promised an additional $2 million a year to leverage

tourism opportunities from major events.

Despite a tough tourism market and a massive decline in international travel by the Asian market,

Gold Coast Marathon numbers have stood strong. I am pleased to say that as of Sunday nearly 19,500

entries have been received, up 30 per cent from the same time last year.

have received entries from 33 countries including new ones like Denmark, Hungary, Bermuda and

Venezuela. Domestic entries are up 30 per cent from Queensland, 19 per cent from New South Wales

and 37 per cent 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 not such a bad result.

Additionally, there will be 323 runners from New Zealand, 27 from Taiwan, 57 from Singapore and 41

from Hong Kong—all on par with or up on last year. While team entries have closed, single registrations

are open until the day before the event so we can expect these numbers to grow further over the coming

weeks.

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 Marathon going to ensure our tourism industry and

those employed in it have a future.