Events celebrating Queensland’s great lifestyle during September are predicted to deliver a $63 million boost to the visitor economy and more good, secure jobs.
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said spring had sprung with a bucket list of events.
“Last night’s Riverfire kicked off the Brisbane Festival with a bang and kaleidoscope of colour, as only Riverfire can,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Around 80,000 out-of-town visitors will spend time in the State’s capital to experience the Brisbane Festival’s 580 performances and support 1,100 artists.
“With Riverfire and the Brisbane Festival’s ongoing popularity, we’re likely to see the 23-day festival contribute up to $36 million to the visitor economy and more good jobs.
“And with live international women’s football also at Suncorp Stadium, the big winners this weekend are the city’s hotels, restaurants, cafes and accommodation providers.
“Riverfire and the 25,000 spectators for the Matildas versus Canada match saw accommodation occupancy increase 10 per cent.”
The start of spring also coincides with the Birdsville Races and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
“As Australia’s longest-running horticultural event, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is blooming as a festival destination,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This month-long event features a food and wine festival, street parade, cinema under the stars and amazing flowering gardens, contributing 130,000 visitor nights.
“Major events create more good jobs by attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer to explore extra Queensland experiences.
“The $36 million that events are predicted to generate for the visitor economy are in addition to the September school holidays.
“With the school holidays now just two weeks away, many getaway destinations – from Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts – are seeing solid accommodation bookings.
“The Whitsunday region is shaping up as Queensland’s most popular destination with forward school holiday bookings at 80 per cent.
“So, if you’ve been thinking about a family getaway for the September school holidays, there’s availability but that can and often does change quickly.”
