An estimated $112.6 million was injected into the region via Sunshine Coast Council-sponsored events in 2024.
The record amount, highlighted in the Sunshine Coast Events Board 2023-24 report, came via a range of activities, exhibitions, festivities and competitions.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli was happy with the outcome.
“Events play an important role in bolstering our hospitality and tourism industries throughout the region,” she said.
”The Sunshine Coast boasts a higher-than-average number of employees in this sector and tourism continues to be our region’s second largest industry.
“While we acknowledge the significant economic impact of events to our local economy, their benefits extend far beyond financial gains. They also help people connect through shared interests and experiences. They help create a sense of identity and pride in our region.”
Councillor Terry Landsberg said events enhanced the liveability for locals and the experience for visitors.
“These events provide us with the opportunity to showcase our stunning natural assets and the biosphere in which we live,” he said.
“Often our beautiful region is broadcast around the globe, inspiring others to come and experience the Sunshine Coast for themselves.
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Council sponsored four events through the Emerging Events category introduced to the Major Events Sponsorship Program, to bolster arts and cultural events: the Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, SHOWFEST, the Rangebow Festival and the Australian Wearable Art Festival.
The AUSSIES, a nine-day national surf lifesaving competition, attracted more than 15,000 visitors to the region and was estimated to have contributed $20.7 million into the Sunshine Coast.
The Queensland Garden Expo attracted 40,000 attendees with 65 per cent from outside the region, with an economic impact of more than $10 million.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon delivered almost $9 million to the local economy: this was an increase of almost $3 million driven by 12,000 participants.
Council’s sponsorship also helped secure the return of the Big Pineapple Festival, which attracted almost 15,000 music lovers. It was one of the only outdoor music festivals to go ahead in Australia in 2024.
The Curated Plate – a culinary showpiece through a collaboration with the Food and Agribusiness Network – was named Best Small Regional Event at the Australian Event Awards.
