Gold Coast is set to welcome one of the country’s coldest towns this weekend as AccorHotels launches Australia’s biggest ever ‘Wintervention’.

AccorHotels surprised the whole town of Waratah, Tasmania earlier this morning live on Channel 7’s Sunrise, with an invitation to pack their bags and enjoy a weekend in the sun on the Gold Coast.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista warmly welcomed the ecstatic residents as they touched down at Gold Coast Airport today, ahead of their action-packed weekend adventure.

“These guests are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, particularly as they escape the cool climate of their hometown to come and play in Australia’s playground,” Ms Battista said.

“The advent of winter will be like no other, as they experience our slice of paradise and soak up the warmth.

“The Gold Coast’s core offering is second to none, from our beaches, theme parks, entertainment to adventure offerings, so our guests are in for a treat.

“The Gold Coast is the ultimate family-friendly holiday destination and winter is one of the best times for a weekend getaway or holiday in sub-tropical climate conditions, without the humidity or summer crowds.”

Last week, Destination Gold Coast launched a $2.6 million-dollar pre-winter campaign to lure families to experience an endless summer on the Gold Coast.

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AccorHotels launches Australia’s biggest ever ‘Wintervention’

The whole town of Waratah, Tasmania invited to the Gold Coast for a surprise Wintervention

The advent of winter this year will be like no other for the residents of one of Australia’s coldest towns, thanks to AccorHotels and what is billed as Australia’s biggest ever ‘Wintervention’.

At 8.20am this morning AccorHotels surprised the whole town of Waratah, Tasmania, boldly taking a private plane full of residents to the Gold Coast for the weekend – this weekend! The only catch - residents had to leave immediately!

Waratah is located in Tasmania’s western hinterland on the edge of Lake Waratah, and has an average winter temperature of a mere 4.9 degrees celsius. It stands as one of the coldest and wettest locations in all of Australia.

“We’re inviting one of Australia’s coldest towns to one of its sunniest cities for a weekend Wintervention to break the winter routine,” said Bridie Commerford, Accor Vice President, Marketing, Guest Experience and Communications Pacific.

“Exploring Australia is the best way to get out of a winter slump – from sport to shopping, bars to beaches, we have it all. We’re delighted to be surprising Waratah residents with such a unique opportunity. They’ll soak up the warmth and enjoy some fantastic activities on the Gold Coast, staying at Novotel Surfers Paradise. The only catch is…this is an instant holiday and residents must leave immediately with their bags packed,” Commerford continued.

Residents of Waratah were expecting that only a few people who had registered would receive a Wintervention trip. Little did they know they could all swap their sweaters for swimsuits and that a plane was on standby to carry as many residents as possible within hours of them being gifted the trip.

Further surprises will await the lucky Waratah locals when they touch down in the Gold Coast, with SeaWorld, SeaWorld Cruises, AquaDuck, iFly, Experience Oz and Paradise Jet Boating experiences on offer thanks to the official partners of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Do you feel like hibernating? Want to get out your bikini instead of your brolly? AccorHotels is encouraging Australians across the country plan their own Wintervention by offering $25 off hotel stays, with breakfast for just $1 at AccorHotels.com/Winter.

AccorHotels Contact: Ginni Post, Director of Communications Pacific (02) 9280 9874 / 0417 200 556.

ENDS

DGC CONTACT: Cristina Matisan, Communications Specialist
+61 7 5584 6216 / 0412 334 794 /   cristina.matisan@destinationgoldcoast.com

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