The Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group (GCATG) was created in 2004 to provide Gold Coast youth/adventure/backpacker operators with a focused and coordinated means of growing members' business. It is supported by Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism.

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Backpacking Queensland Masquerade Gala Ball

Come along to the inaugural Backpacking Queensland Masquerade Gala Ball to be held on 24 February 2010 at The Marriott, Brisbane. There will food, fun, dancing, networking, and of course an auction. If any Backpacking Queensland (BQ) or Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group (GCATG) members wish to donate items for the auction, please send details of your packages to Jo-Anne Wilkie via email jo@aquariusbackpackers.com.au. Your support is important as all funds raised from this event will go towards the Backpacking Queensland marketing schedule for 2010 and 2011.

To purchase tickets or to gain further information please contact Denise Jinks via email denise@tntdownunder.com or phone (02) 8296 0229 or view the official invitation  here.

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Backpacking Queensland and Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel forum

Preceding the inaugural Backpacking Queensland ball, there will be a Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP) forum, which members are encouraged to attend. Details for the forum are as follows:

Contact Denise for further information via email denise@tntdownunder.com.

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Coast theme parks booming

There is some positive news flowing through in relation to increased tourism numbers on the Coast. Theme parks and hotels have registered record summer revenue and visitor numbers as families cram into the Gold Coast.

• Read the full article

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Special members function - date claimer (Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group)

This is a notice to advise that the March 2010 quarterly members function for the Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group (GCATG) will be a 'special general meeting'. The date is tentatively scheduled for 3 March 2010. Further details will be sent by the GCATG ambassador to members in February.

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Brisbane Adventure Travel and Backpackers Expo postponed until November 2010

Organisers of the Adventure Travel and Backpackers Expo in Brisbane have announced that the expo that was scheduled to run from 27 - 28 February 2010, has been postponed until November 2010.

Managing Director Andrew Paltridge said a combination of late cancellations and slow sales due to the Global Financial Crisis meant the event was not viable at this time.

• Read the full article

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New Greyhound service to Byron Bay

Greyhound bus lines have begun a new shuttle bus service from Brisbane to Byron Bay. This will allow travellers to go between the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Brisbane, making travel between these regions easier and more affordable for backpackers.

• Read the full article

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Gold Coast Tourism backpacker photo shoot available to GCATG members

A recent photo shoot funded by Gold Coast Tourism (GCT) has been completed and is now available to members of Gold Coast Tourism and the Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group (GCATG). The photos include a range of different backpacker and adventure scenarios including beach, bushwalking, canoeing, ropes course and night life.

For those GCATG members who would like a copy of the pictures please contact David Cox from GCT on david.cox@gctourism.com.

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Ambassador Report

Ben has been busy once again performing his duties as the GCATG Ambassador. He is continuing to deliver the groups brochure on sales calls to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay, ensuring stocks are high to meet the strong demand from consumers.

Ben recently conducted famils at Ozball (Zorb) and Tiger Moth Joy Rides in order to build his understanding and knowledge of GCATG member products. A great day was had at both activities, which were adrenaline filled and extremely exciting. If you want to check out Ben's adventures at Ozball and Tiger Moth Joyrides, please view the GCATG Facebook page titled - Gold Coast, Australia. If you are not already, Ben urges you to join and contribute towards this Facebook group.

Enewsletter - if any member has a good news story, product launches, specials, etc that would like to feature in upcoming newsletters please contact Ben at info@adventuregc.com or on 0405 332 098.

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