- The Crisafulli Government’s ambition to be the events capital of Australia has delivered a more than $2.7 billion economic injection with more than 360 events and 9.7 million visitor nights across Queensland.
- Queensland is open for business, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering on its Destination 2045 commitment to support a strong pipeline of events.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy, with its Destination 2045 plan supporting more events after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government’s ambition to make Queensland the events capital of Australia has delivered a $2.7 billion events boom, with the Crisafulli Government’s major events strategy bringing visitors to the State and delivering billions of dollars to local economies.
Since coming to office, the Crisafulli Government has secured and supported more than 360 events, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors, generating more than 9.7 million visitor nights and delivering an estimated $2.7 billion in economic benefits to Queensland communities.
Australia v Brazil is the latest major event drawing visitors to Queensland, with tens of thousands of fans set to experience the game and discover everything else the State has to offer with matches in both Townsville and Brisbane this month.
With a strong pipeline of events already secured, the Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland’s position as Australia’s event capital, positioning Queensland as the home of the holiday – where visitors can come for an event and stay to experience the Reef, the outback, the beaches, our cities and our regions.
From international sporting blockbusters and major entertainment acts to festivals showcasing the best of regional Queensland, events are giving visitors a reason to come to Queensland and discover everything out State has to offer.
The scale of this events boom would not have been possible under the former Labor Government’s plan to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent.
In stark contrast, the Crisafulli Government is backing major events and regional tourism to bring more visitors, more spending and more jobs to Queensland communities.
The Crisafulli Government’s commitment is backed by Destination 2045 and a record $1 billion investment in tourism over four years, supporting the events, experiences and tourism initiatives needed to grow Queensland’s visitor economy.
Over almost two years, Queensland has welcomed new events including the exclusive Queensland Football Series Australia vs Brazil, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Wallabies v British & Irish Lions Test Match, the World Surf League Championship Tour, Cairns Rainforest Rumble and WNBL tip off.
The Crisafulli Government is also giving Queensland certainty with a strong pipeline of events already secured, including the Pacific Airshow, Supercars Townsville, the AACTA Awards, Savannah in the Round, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and, in a major deals secured this year, NRL Magic Round locked in until 2032 and securing Queensland as Australia’s home of the first ever ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup matches in 2027, 2029 and 2031.
When people visit Queensland for an event, they don’t just buy a ticket, they stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, visit attractions, and spend with small businesses – creating a significant economic flow-on for communities.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said major events were a key part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to grow Queensland’s visitor economy.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of making Queensland the events capital of Australia,” Minister Powell said.
“While Labor had a secret plan to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent, we’re backing major events and regional tourism, bringing more visitors, more spending and more opportunity to communities right across Queensland.
“We’re unapologetic about our commitment to major events because they deliver real benefits for local businesses, tourism operators and communities across the State.
“We want people to come to Queensland for the event and stay for the State — because once they get here, Queensland gives them a thousand reasons to stay longer, travel further and come back again.
“From our capital city to our regions, we’re backing the events that fill hotel rooms, pack out restaurants and put Queensland on the world stage — and this is just the beginning.”
CEO the Australia Brazil Chamber of Commerce, CEO Valeria Noleto said the Queensland Football Series was an opportunity unlike any other for Brazilian businesses in Brisbane.
“It has already given a huge boost to Brazilian businesses,” Ms Noleto said.
“For restaurants and entertainers, the interest in their work has grown.
“Football is so important to Brazilians, and we’re the country that has won the FIFA World Cup five times, so there’s a huge sense of warmth towards our team, and a sense of recognition of the importance of the game and the importance of Brazil on the world stage.”
