Economic Impact: 31 Years of the Flathead Classic
The Gold Coast Flathead Classic has once again delivered substantial economic and community benefits to Queensland’s Gold Coast region, and the organising club remains confident that the momentum revealed in the newly released economic-impact report will secure continued support for this iconic event.
Driving economic activity for the Gold Coast region
According to the independent report, the Gold Coast Flathead Classic injects meaningful value into local accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism sectors as thousands of participants and their families converge on the region. With teams travelling from interstate, the event showcases the Gold Coast as a premier destination for sport and lifestyle; extending visitor stays and spending beyond the water’s edge.
The data confirms what we’ve always known – our event doesn’t just bring anglers together, it brings thousands of bed nights, meals, local shopping and media exposure to our city. That impact ripples out across our entire community.
Delivering for community, industry and place
The Classic has become more than a fishing tournament—it’s a four-day celebration of the Broadwater, the coastline, and the identity of the Gold Coast’s outdoor scene. The event encourages families and visitors to experience the region, supporting local operators and reinforcing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a destination that blends competition, recreation and community.
Other benefits include:
Elevated visitor numbers during the event window, with strong representation from interstate.
Boosts to local accommodation occupancy, restaurants and associated services.
Media and brand exposure for the Gold Coast as a premier event-location for sportfishing and outdoor lifestyle.
Engagement of local suppliers, volunteers and on-site activation that ties the tournament to the local economy and community.
Campaigning for the future
The organising body, the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club, has been actively campaigning for continued and expanded support, pointing to the concrete findings of the recent report. With the independent numbers in hand, we’re in the strongest position yet to say that this event delivers real value—not just for anglers, but for the region.
Now, with the evidence on their side, the club is poised to grow the event further—enhancing visitor experiences, extending reach, and making sure the Gold Coast remains at the forefront of Australia’s sport-fishing calendar.
What it means for Queensland and the Gold Coast
For Queensland, the Gold Cosst Flathead Classic aligns with the state’s broader goals of driving tourism, extending visitor stays, and creating unique signature events that build place‐brand and community benefit. For the Gold Coast in particular, the Classic reinforces the city’s outdoors credentials and supports a mix of leisure tourism and event tourism—drawing repeat visitors, families, and special interest groups.
We’re delivering more than a tournament; we’re delivering nights in hotels, tables at restaurants, spend in local shops and experiences that keep people coming back. That benefit flows into the heart of our communities and our local economy.
Looking ahead
With the solid backing of the economic data and the event’s growing maturity, the club is confident that this is a pivotal moment. The campaign for support is reinforced by the facts: the Gold Coast Flathead Classic is not only a successful sporting event, but an economic engine for the region.
The event team thank all participants, local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors for their contributions and look forward to building on this year’s success for the benefit of the Gold Coast and Queensland.