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Images of the Gold Coast will be televised to a national audience as three upcoming AFL Premiership games in September play out in Queensland at Metricon Stadium.

Aerial vision of the Gold Coast and vignettes starring Channel 7 expert commentator Luke Hodge is being streamed to a cumulative audience of more than four million viewers across Australia, starting on Thursday, 3 September when GWS take on Carlton.

Destination Gold Coast Executive Director of Marketing, Carla Anderson said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside Channel 7 to showcase the Gold Coast as the ‘temporary home of AFL’ to a captive audience.

“The marrying of popular Gold Coast experiences with supercharged action over the next round of games allows us to integrate vision of Australia’s favourite playground to connect with viewers from around the country, in efforts to inspire families to put the Gold Coast on top of their holiday bucket list,” said Ms Anderson.

“Key experiences that feature in 30-second vignettes include stand up paddle boarding at picturesque Tallebudgera Creek, casual dining complete with unparalleled coastal views at Burleigh Heads to up close and personal encounters with animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

“National broadcast coverage during quartile segments provides the Gold Coast with money can’t buy exposure and an innovative way to keep the Gold Coast top-of-mind for Queenslanders and those that are currently unable to travel but are dreaming of a holiday in the future.

“We know that communities in New South Wales and Victoria are doing it tough right now, we are thinking of them and we hope that this gives viewers something to look forward to as we eagerly await their return.”

The spotlight treatment will also be supported by 30-second TVC placements inviting Aussies to come and play from regions unaffected by travel restrictions including Brisbane, Townsville and Adelaide.

AFL expert commentator and legend Luke Hodge said he felt incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore a sample of Gold Coast’s attractions, experiences and locations while staying in Queensland throughout the season.

“Australia’s favourite playground is a haven for families from iconic theme parks and beaches, to lush tropical rainforest and a surprisingly well-established casual dining scene – there is no better destination for a holiday than on the Gold Coast,” said Mr Hodge.

“As a much-loved domestic holiday destination for more than a generation, it’s a place that allows families to reconnect and relax but there is always something new to explore, which makes it equally exciting for holidaymakers.”

It is estimated Gold Coast tourism will cut a loss of up to $4.3 billion this year alone, although Destination Gold Coast remains optimistic that the region will see a revival and continued gradual recovery in the lead up to summer and into 2021.

Destination footage and vignettes will air on the Seven Network during upcoming games at Metricon Stadium. These include:

  • GWS vs. Carlton (Thursday, 3 September)
  • North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (Saturday, 5 September)
  • Geelong Cats vs. Richmond (Friday, 11 September)