New data released this month shows the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival experienced record growth in 2019 with more than 50,000 people attending each day of the iconic event, pumping more than $25 million into the local economy.
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said more people than ever enjoyed the event, delivering strong outcomes for the Gold Coast.
“It’s event like this that have helped contribute to an extra 14,000 jobs on the Gold Coast in the past year. We want to see that strong employment growth continue so we’ll keep supporting the local tourism industry,” she said.
“Blues on Broadbeach continues to be a powerhouse event for the Gold Coast and for Queensland.
“The festival experienced record growth in 2019, generating more than 169,000 visitor nights for the local tourism industry.
“This proves people are staying for longer and spending more money while they’re on the Gold Coast.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Blues on Broadbeach generated $25 million for the Coast this year – 19 per cent growth year-on-year.
“We invest in major events because they support local jobs and help to grow the tourism industry on the Coast,” she said.
“With the support of the government, Blues on Broadbeach is growing from strength to strength.
“This year we saw more than 15,000 visitors from outside the state come to the event – great news for local businesses.
“The continued growth of the festival is a great example of how strong events complement the Gold Coast’s natural tourism assets.
“Over the last five years, we’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar, this year tipped to generate $800 million.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the record results cemented the Gold Coast’s position as a key player in the major events arena.
“Our hard work in growing existing, and securing new, world-class events for our city continues as part of our strategy to diversify and strengthen our economy,” he said.
“Blues on Broadbeach is a signature event that epitomises the spirit of so many Gold Coast events – family-friendly, entertaining and fun – and I know it will continue to thrive.”
Broadbeach Alliance CEO Jan McCormick said the event would continue to grow.
“Events are so important to the tourism economy of the Gold Coast and Blues on Broadbeach certainly hits above its weight in delivering a strong economic impact to the city,” she said.
“Since 2013, when accurate market research was first undertaken, Blues has grown from an attendance of 30,000 per day to more than 50,000 per day over four days in 2019.
“Plans are well under way for the 2020 festival, with some exciting announcements coming later this year on the line-up and new look festival.”
The Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland.
