Gold Coast Airport has unveiled plans to deliver a purpose-built lounge for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) athletes and associated officials travelling through the facility.

The GC2018 Airport Lounge will provide Games Family with a unique experience as they arrive and depart the Gold Coast.

Fusing beach and rainforest theming, the GC2018 Airport Lounge aims to provide guests with a taste of the Gold Coast to enhance their travel experience.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the lounge was a unique offering and a point of difference for Games Family travelling through GCA.

“As an airport we’re in the business of first and last impressions – we want to make sure Games Family have a warm and efficient welcome and goodbye,” Ms Charlton said.

“The GC2018 Airport Lounge is a space for our guests to relax and unwind in what is sure to be an intense period for them.

“We’re aware that many athletes are here purely to compete and won’t necessarily have the chance to get out and explore the Coast and everything it has to offer. The theming and activations we have incorporated are designed to give people a truly local experience while they’re at the airport.

“Creating a dedicated space for Games Family also relieves potential congestion from the rest of the terminal during Games time.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Brian Nourse said the Games and Gold Coast experience will begin as soon as Games athletes touch down at Coolangatta.

“We know all GCA staff and our team of GC2018 workforce at the airport will make a great impression on visitors and help promote the Gold Coast to everyone,” Mr Nourse said.

“The GC2018 Airport Lounge is another way the Gold Coast is focussed on delivering a Jimbelung (friendly) Games focussed on providing a great experience for athletes and I congratulate GCA on this initiative.”

The GC2018 Airport Lounge will feature roving entertainment from local performers, Australian wildlife presentations and music as well as food and beverage options. It will also boast a big screen with live streaming of Games events.

The lounge has been designed and will be delivered by ExpoNet.

Gold Coast Airport is the direct gateway to Australia’s premier tourism destination, handling in excess of 6.4 million passenger movements annually.