It’s Sun and Games on the Gold Coast Come 2018
On Saturday, November 12 thousands gathered at Broadwater Parklands, exploding with excitement upon hearing the good news via live announcement in direct correspondence with the Commonwealth Games Federation in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The Gold Coast beat the Sri Lankan city Hambantota by 43 votes to 27, meaning the Gold Coast has won the right to host the Games. This announcement is being referred to as the dawn of a Gold Coast renaissance.
Hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games will give an adrenaline boost to Australian tourism and Queensland tourism alike. Leading up to this impactful decision, the international media already began broadcasting the Gold Coast’s sprawling beaches for the world to see.
Commonwealth Brand to Enhance Gold Coast's Reputation
Premier Anna Bligh was in the Caribbean on Saturday to witness the results firsthand. She feels this decision will allow the Gold Coast to take its well-deserved place as great Australian city.
'In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique, world-class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city's reputation,'' she said.
Thrilled by the announcement, Julia Gillard released a congratulations video to the media while in Hawaii for an APEC leaders’ meeting, celebrating US Veterans Day. "Congratulations Queensland - absolutely great news," Julia Gillard expressed.
The Games Initiate a Golden Age for the Gold Coast
Courtney Atkinson is an Olympic triathlete and an ambassador with the initial bid team and is enthusiastic about the positive effect the games will have, inspiring children and building community. The star athlete also recognized the importance of this win considering recent challenges in the Gold Coast.
"It's been a hard time for us for the past few years but this is going to be major for us and the whole six years from the starting point will see us moving forward, and I think we're going to put on a great Games for the Commonwealth.”
Ultimately the Gold Coast was awarded the right to stage the Commonwealth Games in Queensland, not just for its beauty but for other intrinsic worth that has been acknowledged.
Commonwealth Games 2018 Will Boost Economy & Tourism
Tourism Australia maintains The Commonwealth Games 2018 will be a legacy; Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy is confident that the best possible impact will be gained from the global exposure and that developing infrastructure will be monumental for the games and the Gold Coast’s future.
Everyone is commenting on the positive momentum winning the 2018 Commonwealth Games will have on the economy. Queensland Tourism Minster, Jan Jarratt describes the unprecedented amount of international media coverage, including images of the region, as “priceless exposure which will massively boost global awareness of our destinations and attractions.”
Winning the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a mighty adrenaline boost for the Gold Coast region, says Queensland Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt. The minister said the Bligh Government believes it will turbo-charge the Gold Coast economy and tourism industry.
International Watch on the Gold Coast, Queensland & Australia
When the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 come to an end, Jan Jarratt describes the closing ceremony as a time when “the eyes of the world will be squarely focused on Queensland, with the Gold Coast to take centre stage in a handover celebration.”
Gold Coast Mayor, Ron Clarke said, “The Gold and the Commonwealth Games were made for each other.” The Commonwealth Games 2018 will be a welcome boost to Queensland after the strife of cyclones and floods and the event will flow through to northern NSW and beyond.
Written by Kelly Korpesio
