The Adina Polocrosse World Cup delivered a $5.6 million economic windfall for Warwick, generating more than 44,000 visitor nights in the region new data has revealed.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the event – which was secured by the State Government and local council – had been applauded by the local community and business owners.
“More tourists means more tourism jobs for locals. That’s exactly what major events deliver,” Ms Jones said.
“More than half the visitor nights recorded this year were booked out by interstate or international tourists. This is a testament to the growth and widespread appeal of this event.
“This year’s World Cup brought some of the world’s best polocrosse competitors, their teams and spectators to Warwick and highlighted the Southern Downs region as a world-class event host.”
Ms Jones said more than 15,000 people attended the event over seven days, booking more than 44,000 visitor nights in the region.
“The flow-on effect of this event is massive. Spending in the town increased by more than 40 per cent during the World Cup. That’s because tourists filled local hotels, ate at local cafes and restaurants and frequented local shops. This is a great win for small businesses,” Ms Jones said.
Ms Jones said local workers also benefitted strongly from the event.
“The boost to the local economy also extended to businesses putting on extra staff for longer hours,” she said.
“On top of that, 98 per cent of businesses agreed that the event showcased Warwick and the Southern Downs region to the world via positive marketing and media exposure.
“A further 16,000 visitor nights were spent across Queensland, sharing the economic benefit across the state.
“Our target is to double the value of Queensland’s events calendar to $1.5 billion in economic benefit by 2025. The success of events like this bring us closer to that target.”
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie said the Southern Downs Region has great capacity for tourism.
“Our region’s wineries, welcoming B&Bs, scenic railway, Morgan Park, and the beautiful national parks are perfect for tourists and day-trippers,” Ms Dobie said.
“Events such as the Adina Polocrosse World Cup bring visitors who may otherwise have never known about our fantastic region.
“These events, and the considerable economic boost they provide, also contribute a welcome social bonus for our residents.”
Adina Polocrosse World Cup President Les Fraser praised the event.
“The organising Committee are extremely pleased with the results, with a 25 per cent increase in attendance on the 2007 World Cup, held at the same venue,” Mr Fraser said.
“Beyond the people that passed through the gates over the week-long event, more than 1,000 people from 15 countries including Australia, UK, South Africa, NZ, USA, Ireland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, France and Spain viewed the event via live stream.
“Most importantly, this event has raised the profile of Polocrosse and highlighted the opportunity for further world class events to be hosted at Morgan Park.”
