Hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games will deliver economic, social and infrastructure benefits to the Gold Coast, according to peak national tourism body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

The bidding team: Bid Chairman, Mark Stockwell; Australian Commonwealth Games Association President, Sam Coffa AM JP; Premier of Queensland Hon Anna Bligh MP; Falkland Islands Commonwealth Games Association Vice Chair, Steve Dent; Falkland Islands Commonwealth Games Association Secretary, Beth Reid

Pitted against Hambantota in Sri Lanka, The Gold Coast has been succesfully named host of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, after a tense voting process in the West Indies.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said there would be plenty to look forward to between now and 2018.

“The Gold Coast’s international profile is about to hit new levels as the city builds its promotional momentum towards 2018,” said Winter.

“Spurring that on will be an unparalleled period of new investment and development to further the Gold Coast’s credentials as a truly modern international city, it has already been started with the Queensland Government announcing $500 million direct investment in venue and transport infrastructure.”

“We believe more than 120,000 extra tourists will visit the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games with around a 50% split between international and domestic visitors, so the opportunity for our $4.5 billion tourism industry is exceptional.”

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said the event will be a boon for the Gold Coast.

“The Games will generate an estimated $2 billion in economic activity for the city and create up to 30,000 full-time jobs between 2015 and 202, ” said Lee.

Gold Coast celebrates the successful bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games

“Congratulations to the Gold Coast, to Queensland and Australia – we did it!” said Queensland Premier Anna Bligh

“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,” said Bligh. 

“This city will be transformed with new infrastructure and a buzz that only a big international event like this can bring.”

“While it will utilise existing infrastructure, including Metricon Stadium and the Gold Coast Convention Centre, the event will also leave the Gold Coast with a substantial legacy in the form of an upgraded aquatic centre and hockey centre, and a new multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue at Coomera, ” said Lee.

Acting as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development, the successful bid to host the games would include the following upgrades:

• Increasing the capacity of Metricon stadium from 25,000 to 40,000 seats
• New badminton and mountain bike facilities
• A world class squash complex
• Development of the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre.
• Upgrades to the Broadbeach Bowls Club, Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

“This announcement also provides a timeline for the delivery of these projects, along with an incentive for further investment by the private sector,” said Lee.

“In addition to those tangible assets, the Games will create demand for tourism, help to grow international awareness of the Gold Coast and build on its reputation as one of Australia’s top leisure destinations.

“Holding the Games will also deliver social benefits to the Gold Coast, increasing confidence and goodwill, and giving residents a common goal.”

“We will see new sporting facilities, improved transport and a new Health and Knowledge precinct adjacent to the $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital,” said Bligh.

“We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Chairman, Mark Stockwell said the whole Bid team is overjoyed with the result.

“Thank you to everyone that contributed to the Bid and this outstanding result, it was a collective effort and one that Gold Coasters, Queenslanders and all Australians should be very proud of,” said Stockwell.

“The Games will put the spotlight on the Gold Coast, and whilst we don’t want to lose our ‘famous for fun’ character, we do need to reinforce our capabilities as a serious business community with strengths across a number of diverse industries.

“A lot of very hard work went into the Bid but it doesn’t stop there – we need to put the same amount of energy and passion in to prepare and deliver the very best event the Commonwealth has ever known.”

“Congratulations Gold Coast – let the Games preparations begin,” said Stockwell.

Watch the video presented  by Premier Anna Bligh as part of the Gold Coast bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games by clicking on the video below.