- The Crisafulli Government has secured the future of the blockbuster Pacific Airshow event, supporting local tourism operators, hotels, restaurants and businesses across the Gold Coast.
- The Pacific Airshow is the only event of its kind in Australia, transforming the Surfers Paradise beachfront into a spectacular showcase of military aircraft, aerobatics and elite skydiving.
- The multi-day event is anticipated to inject millions into the state’s economy and drive tens of thousands of visitor nights every year.
- While the former Labor Government planned to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent, the Crisafulli Government is determined to make Queesland the events capital of the country.
The Crisafulli Government has secured the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast through to 2028, locking in another world-class event as Queensland strengthens its position as the events capital of Australia, through Destination 2045.
On the back of another blockbuster Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast, the Crisafulli Government and Experience Gold Coast have moved to secure the event’s future and make sure it stays in Queensland.
The deal means the Gold Coast will continue to host one of Australia’s most spectacular major events, with the 2028 event alone expected to generate more than $28 million for Queensland’s economy and deliver approximately 97,000 direct visitor nights.
That means more visitors staying in local hotels, more customers through the doors of restaurants and cafes, and more work for tourism operators and businesses across the Gold Coast.
The Crisafulli Government is backing tourism and events in Queensland through the $1 billion Destination 2045 plan, after the former Labor Government had a secret plan to gut tourism funding by 95 per cent.
The extension secures the Pacific Airshow for 2027 and 2028, ensuring continued economic benefits for the Gold Coast and reinforcing the State’s reputation as Australia’s home of major events.
As the only event of its kind in the nation, Pacific Airshow transforms the iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront into a world-class outdoor arena, showcasing military aircraft, breathtaking aerobatic displays and elite skydiving performances above the Pacific Ocean.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said securing major events was about more than putting on a show – it was about delivering a stronger economy and creating opportunities for Queensland businesses.
“Events like the Pacific Airshow bring people to Queensland, fill hotel rooms and put money through the tills of local businesses,” Minister Powell said.
“That means more work for tourism operators, more customers for small businesses and more reasons for visitors to choose the Gold Coast.
“We want Queensland to be the events capital of Australia, and securing the Pacific Airshow through to 2028 is another step towards making that happen.”
Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek said the extension was a major win for the local community.
“When visitors come for the Airshow, they’re staying in our hotels, eating in our cafes and restaurants, and supporting local businesses right across the precinct,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Locking in this event until 2028 provides certainty for local operators and reinforces Surfers Paradise as a premier destination for major events.
“The Gold Coast is the perfect home for Pacific Airshow, and we’re proud to continue welcoming visitors from across Australia and around the world to our backyard.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the success of this year’s airshow cemented its place as a favourite on the Gold Coast’s major events calendar.
“The Pacific Airshow is an experience like no other, it’s big, it’s bold and puts the Gold Coast and our famous Surfers Paradise skyline on the world stage,” Mayor Tate said.
“The airshow has proven yet again why it’s one of the biggest drawcards on our city’s annual event calendar and we’re not stopping there.
“Buckle up, because there’s no slowing down now, we’re going full throttle through to 2028 with more high-octane aerial action, big stunts and roaring jets coming our way.”
Pacific Airshow CEO Kevin Elliott welcomed the extension of support through to 2028 and said the team was already focused on taking the airshow to new heights.
“We are fired up to bring Pacific Airshow Gold Coast back all the way through to 2028,” Mr Elliott said.
“This is one of the biggest events on the calendar, and we’re going all in to make it bigger, bolder, and better every single year.
“The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
