EVENTS

Dates announced for first Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

WORDS: Deanna Nott PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Tourism bookings are set to soar with dates for the inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast revealed today.

The spectacular three-day event will take off over Surfers Paradise in exactly 12 months’ time – from 18 to 20 August 2023.

Event organiser Kevin Elliott, CEO of Code Four, and owner of the famous Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach in California, said, “Since launching our expansion to Australia in April, we have been inundated with calls and emails from people across the globe desperate for us to let them in on the secret.

“Now the suspense is over – it’s time to book your holidays and register your interest to attend Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. There will be hospitality options for everyone – ranging from show-centre General Admission on the beach to ‘money can’t buy’ VIP experiences, corporate chalets, private cabanas and more! The hospitality build-out on the beach is going to be truly extraordinary and when combined with our highly curated cuisine offerings – we’re taking hospitality on the beach to a whole new level!”

Elliott said Pacific Airshow Gold Coast would be the greatest Airshow ever seen in Australia.

“Get ready for Pacific Airshow Gold Coast to change the face of winter tourism forever at Australia’s favourite holiday destination,” he said.

“I want the months to fly by so we can enjoy the excitement together in Surfers Paradise.”

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast spectators are set to be thrilled by world-class aerobatics and jets with adrenaline-pumping speed and thunderous power as well as the latest in Urban Air Mobility technology.

“Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is so much more than what happens in the air with something for everyone throughout the event precinct stretching for several kilometres along the esplanade. From street vendors, STEM exhibitions, art, entertainment and more, you can expect the whole of Surfers Paradise, land, sea and sky to be transformed into the world’s biggest stage,” said Elliott.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “It’s official – lock in August 2023 for the greatest airshow Australia has ever seen. Diversifying our major events calendar is about attracting new visitors to our city and boosting bed nights. This global event will put our city on the world stage.’’

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said: “The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be a game-changer for our city and I’ve no doubt that now the 2023 dates are announced, the media and marketing exposure across Australia is sure to result in strong accommodation bookings giving our tourism sector a welcome boost though the traditionally quieter August period. Importantly, hosting this spectacular airshow well and truly cements our city’s reputation as a world-class events destination.”

Elliott said Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach, which attracts 3 million visitors each year, has become a national sensation in the United States.

“We wanted to replicate our flagship event at another iconic destination and that journey has led us to one of the most idyllic beaches in the world – the Gold Coast. We are bringing allies together and cementing old and new partnerships through soft diplomacy,” he said.

“Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be awe-inspiring recognising the incredible talent and skills of civilian and military aviators, and that is sure to be a powerfully inspiring experience for everyone.

“We are excited to be working closely with the Australian Defence Force, especially as the inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be honouring and recognising Australian Vietnam Veterans’ Day on 18 August 2023, and marking the important date with a tribute to those who have served.”

Corporate hospitality will be released to the public on a first-come first-served basis beginning 1 November with individual and VIP ticket options to follow. To register your interest to attend Pacific Airshow please visit www.pacificairshow.com

ABOUT PACIFIC AIRSHOW

In 2021, Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach was seen by more than 3 million people on the ground and has become California’s cornerstone autumn event.

Last year the event became the first Airshow to be streamed live on Hulu, the United States most popular streaming service owned by Disney and reached millions of viewers.

The 2019 Airshow contributed more than US$3.4 million in tax revenue to the City of Huntington Beach alone, with US$68 million in direct spending and an overall economic impact of more than US$105 million to the host city, according to an independent report prepared by Destination Analysts.

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is expected to generate comparable results in direct spending and economic benefit for the Gold Coast, making it one of the nation’s biggest entertainment and lifestyle events.

The Airshow is the result of more than three year’s planning by Code Four who have worked closely with the Australian Government, City of Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland and Australian Defence Force stakeholders to bring this spectacular event to Australia.