FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Record international entries for 38th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Saturday 25 June
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon continues to grow as a major sports tourism
event for Queensland with a record number of runners from overseas set to
hit our shores next week, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones
announced today.
With a week until entries close, more than 3,250 runners from 59 overseas
countries are registered for the 38th Gold Coast Airport Marathon to be
held on 2-3 July.
"Attracting a record number of visiting runners from overseas is a great
outcome for the Gold Coast," said Ms Jones.
"Events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon showcase the Gold Coast to
international visitors and to overseas markets.
"Since the marathon was accredited with an IAAF Road Race Gold Label in
2014, there has been even greater interest from elite and recreational
runners.
"The event is expected to attract more than 7,000 international visitors to
the Gold Coast, which will be a great boost for local tourism operators."
Ms Jones highlighted the growth from emerging markets such as Greater China
and South East Asia as the main reason for the record international
numbers.
This year also marks the first year of the landmark agreement between
leading Chinese sports media company Sina Sports and Events Management
Queensland.
"China represents a huge marketing opportunity for the Gold Coast Airport
Marathon moving forward," said Ms Jones.
"We had one participant from China in 2010 and we are closing in on 300
this year. There is also record participation from Taiwan, Singapore, Hong
Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
"Japan continues to provide the most number of visiting runners as it has
for nearly two decades and New Zealand will also go close to a record
number.
"It is a really exciting time for the event as it continues to grow in
popularity as a destination marathon."
Ms Jones said the global media exposure the Gold Coast Airport Marathon now
receives has provided a significant boost to the profile of the event and
to the Gold Coast.
"Television coverage of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon last year generated
1,500 hours of air time with a potential reach into 850 million households
across 129 countries," Ms Jones said.
"Adding to this is a live stream of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon
available around the world and our ability to engage with a global audience
on social media.
"Not only are media partnerships raising the profile of the marathon, but
also of the Gold Coast as a destination for international visitors.
"We will also host more than 50 media representatives from Japan, Greater
China and South East Asia this year, generating further interest."
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is organised by Events Management
Queensland, a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland
Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland Chairman Kerry Watson said he was delighted
with the growing interest in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon from overseas.
"The participation numbers we attract from overseas markets is the result
of long-term marketing strategies in collaboration with Tourism and Events
Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism and
major sponsors.
"We take a long-term view with our marketing and what we do today is laying
the platform for even more visitors to come and experience the Gold Coast
Airport Marathon in future years.
"The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has created another significant
focus on this destination, and we plan to ensure the Gold Coast Airport
Marathon adds value to that focus on the Gold Coast for many years after."
This year's 38th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July. Entries for all races on the program close on
Friday 1 July.
For more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au
ENDS
Overseas countries ranked by participants
1. Japan
2. Taiwan *
3. Singapore *
4. New Zealand (may rise to #2 with late entries expected)
5. Hong Kong *
6. China *
7. Malaysia *
8. USA
9. Indonesia *
10. United Kingdom
*indicates a record number in 2016
Percentage growth on last year
Indonesia +61%
Malaysia +52%
Hong Kong +42%
Singapore +22%
China +16%
Taiwan +13%
Key tourism impact study findings from 2015
$22 million in economic impact
60,000+ visitors to the event
43,000+ visitors from outside the Gold Coast
21,000+ visitors from outside Queensland
6,000+ visitors from overseas
74,000+ visitor nights
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