Major Events to deliver $380m windfall for Queensland economy

Events backed and secured by the Palaszczuk Government will pump $380m into the state’s economy over the next 6 months.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a range of major events are a vital part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Major events inject millions of dollars into local businesses and support jobs.

They’re crucial to supporting our tourism industry to rebuild in months to come,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Our list of attractions and sporting events will be worth $380 million for Queensland, and is yet another strong indication that our COVID-19 Economic Recovery plan is working.

“From the Brisbane Cycling Festival and Outback Queensland Masters golf tournament in July, to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in August, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in September, Noosa Triathlon in October, TV WEEK Logies in November and the Gold Coast 500 Supercars race in December – there’s something for everyone in the second half of 2021.

“At this time, we’re encouraging Aussies particularly from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia to book a holiday in Queensland and support our tourism businesses that have done it tough throughout the pandemic.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar had generated around $215 million for the State’s recovery in the first half of 2021.

“I appreciate the many challenges the global pandemic has created for Queensland tourism operators,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“First-class events supported by the Palaszczuk Government back the State’s cultural industries and tourism operators.

“Events encourage Queenslanders and interstate visitors to explore our regions and spend with local businesses, from accommodation providers and restaurants, to tourism operators with unique holiday experiences.

“In a bonus for tourism operators, It’s Live! In Queensland is expected to return 76 per cent more to the visitor economy than it did in the first half of the year.

“The It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar is another investment in rebuilding tourism better and backing our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.” 

TEQ Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said Queensland had a successful formula when it came to staging Australia’s best events in some of the world’s best destinations.

“Events provide ongoing benefits, bringing communities together, attracting visitors to host regions where they spend locally, including on local tours and attractions, and stimulate the regional economy,” Ms Coddington said.

“At TEQ we recognise this important dynamic, which is why we continue to partner with a range of event proponents and stakeholders to ensure the industry is supported at a time when it is most needed in the long journey to recovery.

“The It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar is a successful vehicle for promoting the whole array of events across the length and breadth of the state and will be promoted as part of our ongoing marketing activity.”

The It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar can be viewed at teq.queensland.com

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Media contact:

Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447

Darren Roberts (Minister’s office) 0427 475 089