An estimated 672,000 visitors have descended upon the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Restaurant & Catering Industry Association (R&CA) CEO Juliana Payne says the large influx of visitors to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games should result in a significant increase in takings for local café and restaurant businesses over the next fortnight.
“As is the case with all large events, hospitality businesses across the Gold Coast are preparing themselves for what is expected to be a bumper trade over the course of the Games,” Juliana says. “Naturally, café and restaurant owners are excited about the prospect of a significant increase in takings, with a total visitor spend of $320 million expected during the Games.
Juliana also welcomed initiatives from the Queensland Government encouraging local hospitality businesses to trade later into the evening, including an automatic one-hour extension in trading times for restaurants and licensed venues during the Games.
“Unquestionably, the commercial opportunities during the Games are huge and we would expect local café and restaurant businesses to take full advantage of that,” Juliana says.
“The immense drawing power of major global events like the Commonwealth Games highlights the economic value in hosting major events for businesses both small and large.”
