Rich seam of donations for political parties

THE vociferously anti-socialist but pro-Chinese Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer bankrolled the conservative side of politics handsomely after the demise of the Howard government crimped Liberal Party fund-raising efforts.

Aussies rush for the exit as tourists stay away

WE HUNG an "out of the country" sign on the door in the second half of last year.

Mirvac deals defy market malaise

MIRVAC Group has signed five new hotel management contracts across the country and intends to expand in that area despite the poor climate for tourism.

When the price is right there's little pillow talk

IN 20 years working in hospitality and hotels, Gary Berman saw countless potential guests turned away because they were unhappy with rigid rates.

A determined Australia rolls up its sleeves and prepares to court soccer's powerbrokers

The battle to host the World Cup is on in earnest, reports Dan Silkstone.

Gold Coast Plenty In One Destination

A world-famous holiday destination, the Gold Coast has many of the things great about Australia, all in one destination. There's surf beaches,World Heritage rainforests, an exciting city centre, theme parks, shopping, restaurants and year-round events.

Schoolies Tidal Wave Samps Gold Coast

DESPITE bad publicity in recent years, school-leavers are still flocking to the Gold Coast in record numbers for the annual schoolies celebrations.

Gold Coast Tourism Slides: Study

Olympic icon Ron Clarke recently warned local authorities to learn from the Gold Coast experience and keep high-rise buildings off Port Melbourne beaches. Clarke, who owns a resort on South Stradbroke Island, just north of the coast, said: ``As soon as you put high rises on the beach you lose par

`tacky' Gold Coast Loses Its Holiday Lustre

The Gold Coast is tacky and too "touristy" and spoiled by shade from high-rise buildings, as far as visitors in Sydney and Melbourne are concerned. Domestic tourism on the Gold Coast is in the doldrums and continuing to slacken as more people from NSW and Victoria choose to holiday in t