Gold Coast scrambling for 5,500 more hotel rooms as tourism heats up
A fresh wave of tourism demand on the Gold Coast has the city looking for more than 5,500 additional hotel rooms over the next decade to keep pace.
Bookings for this weekend’s British and Irish Lions rugby clash in Brisbane are spiking across the Gold Coast. That’s despite the match taking place at Suncorp Stadium, more than an hour away.
This is reflective of a general trend where more people would rather spend time on the Gold Coast than in Brisbane.
Experience Gold Coast chief executive officer John Warn says the trend proves the city’s enduring appeal.
“Saturday’s Game continues to be a significant boost to Gold Coast occupancy on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, which are sitting at a 72 per cent average across the three nights and 12 per cent higher than this time last year,” he told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“This proves the attraction of our destination continues to be a drawcard, with world-class theme parks, buoyed recently with substantive new investment into new rides, and a range of incredible experiences visitors are seeking.”
By the time the 2032 Olympic Games roll around, the city is expected to have about 26,500 hotel rooms — up from current levels, thanks to a wave of new and planned developments.
These include big names like the Ritz-Carlton at The Spit, KTQ’s Kirra Point in the south, and the $500 million Marina Mirage project which is set to join Marriott’s Luxury Collection. A revamp of the Vibe Hotel in Surfers Paradise will transform it into an AC Hotel under the same brand.
Meanwhile, Aniko Group is moving ahead with its $2 billion Landmark development at Mermaid Beach, which is expected to feature luxury hotel-branded residences. Talks are reportedly underway with a major international hotel chain.
“The accommodation sector is on a really solid path,” Warn said.
“We’ve got a strong pipeline of upcoming luxury upper scale hotels that will support the ambitions of the city because we want to see and grow the high-yield visitor market.”
Accommodation Australia chief executive officer James Goodwin also welcomed the momentum.
“It is great they are reviewing their offerings for the market,” he said.
“There’s been consolidation in the market with some ownership, branding and the way hotels are pitching what they are offering.
“The Gold Coast is a tourist market but what we are seeing is not dissimilar to what we are seeing around the world.
“People are looking for value and for experiences.”
Jonathan Jackson, 16th July 2025
