Events
supported by the Geelong Major Events Committee injected an estimated $99.3
million into the local economy during the 2018-19 financial year, figures to be
presented to council show.
The record figure came courtesy of a combined 850,000 participant and spectator
attendances across the 25 events, and represents a return on the council’s sponsorship
investment of 53 to 1.
The biennial Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport made the
largest impact on the overall result, generating an estimated $28.9 million in
economic benefit on its own.
Next came the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race ($11 million), Festival of
Sails ($10.6 million) and Archibald Prize exhibition at the Geelong Gallery
($8.03 million).
The total was also boosted by the success of the inaugural White Night Geelong,
which produced an economic benefit of $5.1 million, and will return to the city
in 2021.
A full list of GME-supported events, including sponsorship value and estimated
economic benefit, is available within the agenda for the Tuesday 8 October council
meeting.
The council
meeting will be held at the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, and the
community is welcome to attend.
Mayor Bruce Harwood:
Greater Geelong now has an
incredibly dynamic and varied calendar of events that receive support from the
council via Geelong Major Events sponsorship. These are a significant driver of
tourism and support local business in a big way. They also bring national and
international exposure to our region through TV and media coverage.The $99.3 million economic contribution figure is a very positive result and we
look forward to discussing the report during our council meeting in Ocean Grove
on Tuesday night.
Deputy Mayor Peter Murrihy,
Chair, Geelong Major Events Committee:
The Geelong Major Events
Committee is proud to be presenting these exceptional results to the council.
They show the remarkable economic value our pursuit and support of major events
brings to the region.Major events are also great for our local community, offering family friendly
entertainment and participation opportunities. Fourteen of the events provided
some level of free public access, meaning they’re accessible to everyone.A big thanks to all committee members for their work during this 12-month
period.
Councillor Ron Nelson,
Chair, Tourism and Events portfolio:
Geelong was pleased to host several outstanding major events during the
2018-19 financial year, topped by a spectacular and very successful Australian
International Airshow.Our hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and retailers all get huge benefit every
time one of these events comes to town.There was something for everyone
in the calendar of events, providing 25 more reasons why Geelong is the place
to live or visit.
