3 November, 2016

Sunshine Coast put on events map

The Sunshine Coast is experiencing its “best ever year” for major events, with the region hosting 60 major and regional events.

Recently wrapping up with the successful staging of Wanderlust, Sunshine Coast Council’s Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason OPray said “it’s been an amazing year for the Coast in terms of major events, where we have literally welcomed the world to our region.”

More than 150,000 guests from 70 different countries have come to participate in a diverse range of state, national and international lifestyle, sporting and music events, with many of these guests stayed on to experience our beautiful surrounds and great hospitality and were enticed to visit again as tourists.

OPray estimates these events have generated almost $100 million in economic contribution to the region, with a wide range of businesses throughout the Coast having benefited from the staging of these events.

“Accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, hire car companies, sporting good providers, travel agents, event staging companies and even masseuses are just some of the diverse types of local businesses who have profited from the economic contribution these events bring,” OPray added.

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) CEO, Simon Latchford added that successfully staging a massive portfolio of events throughout 2016 had elevated the region’s tourism reputation.

“Working as a team with council, VSC, tourism operators and our community – we have demonstrated as a region our capability to warmly welcome and successfully stage an impressive line-up of small and large scale events throughout the year,” Latchford said.

Major Event Fast Facts

Australian Surf Life Saving Championship: April 16 – 24

Hailed as the “Best Ever Aussies” by Australian Surf Life Saving president Graham Ford
Attended by 7,000 competitors and approximately 22,000 spectators
Estimated contribution of $20 million to the local economy

Va’a World Outrigger Sprint Championship: May 5 – 15

Hailed as the “Best Ever Outriggers” by Va’a International Federation of Outriggers
Attended by 2,500 competitors from 24 countries, approximately 2,000 local spectators
Estimated contribution of $15 million to the local economy
Many respondents commented on the “buzz” of the atmosphere, the great people, the welcoming Aussie hosts and volunteers, and feeling of friendliness
After the event AOCRA was invited to submit a bid to host the 2019 World Outrigger Marathon Championships on the Sunshine Coast, which it successfully won

Queensland Garden Expo: July 18 – 20

Attended by 40,000 guests – making it the largest ever crowd for the event
There was an increase in visitors of more than 10% on 2015

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships: September 4

Hailed as one of the best ever World Championships by the Ironman organisation
3000 athletes from 70 countries
Estimated contribution of $15 million to the local economy
Additional four guests staying for an average one week, estimated 35,000 visitor nights
25,000 spectators in Mooloolaba on the day

Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games: October 8 – 15

“Most successful Games held …. has set a benchmark for the Games Federation to strive for and better …” Greg Croft Assistant Games Manager
Attended by 2,700 athletes who competed in 49 sports
Estimated contribution of $8 million to the local economy

Wanderlust: October 20 – 23

Attended by 2,900 mostly interstate visitors
Figures up by 53% from last year
“It’s been great, we get nothing but support here on the Sunshine Coast,” Jonnie Halstead Wanderlust Director

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