Gold Coast Scores Major International Sports Convention

7 September 2018 

The Gold Coast has been selected as the destination for the SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit in May 2019 thanks to a successful bid from Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Gold Coast City Council and Destination Gold Coast.

The global sports convention will bring more than 1,500 representatives from up to 100 countries, representing 500 different international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, media, businesses and other sporting organisations. 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham congratulated the Gold Coast for securing the rights to host the event. 

“Whilst the Gold Coast is well known as a holiday destination, its world-class facilities also make it an attractive destination for major business events,” Minister Birmingham said. 

“These types of events inject millions into the local economy and also support local businesses, create local jobs and will ultimately help enhance the Gold Coast’s reputation internationally as a must-visit destination.” Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham congratulated the Gold Coast for securing the rights to host one of the event. 

“Whilst the Gold Coast is well known as a holiday destination, its world-class facilities also make it an attractive destination for major business events,” Minister Birmingham said. 

“These types of events inject millions into the local economy and also support local businesses, create local jobs and will ultimately help enhance the Gold Coast’s reputation internationally as a must-visit destination.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said the bid win had been secured with the support of the Government’s new Business Events Bid Fund.

Managed by Tourism Australia’s business events unit, Business Events Australia, the fund is designed to increase conversion of business for Australia by offering financial support at the critical bidding stage of new international business events.

“Australia’s reputation as a premier events destination continues to grow with the securing of a major international event with the stature of SportAccord,” he said. 

“It’s great to see all levels of government providing such strong support for our business events industry, a sector which delivers such strong economic return for our visitor economy.”

SportAccord president Patrick Baumann said the success of the Commonwealth Games played a major part in securing the event for the Gold Coast. 

“The 17th edition of SportAccord will be a special one, as it will help mark the one-year anniversary of the delivery of a successful Commonwealth Games and will provide the chance for our delegates to embrace all the qualities and opportunities the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer.” 

SportAccord will be held on the Gold Coast from May 5-10, 2019.