Ekka attracts growing international visitor numbers

International visitor numbers to the Ekka have hit an all-time high with the annual event now one of Queensland’s most popular tourist events for international travellers.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today revealed more than 20,000 international visitors from China alone have visited the Ekka over the last three years, advising “numbers of international visitors to the Ekka continue to climb each year. This is a testament to the fact that tourists want a uniquely Queensland experience.

“We’re working hard to grow our tourism industry by marketing the best parts of life in Queensland. Our strategy is paying off in growing source markets like China and India.

“This year a record 20,000 Chinese visitors came to the Ekka. These numbers count only visitors who have booked through ticketing agents (and) we know there are many more that just come through the gates.”

Minister Jones also advised that the Ekka generates more than $220 million a year for the local economy, supports more than 3500 jobs and that it has attracted more visitors from regional Queensland over the last three years.

Another key increase has been in those making day trips from South East Queensland.

Minister Jones added “day trips to Brisbane alone across 2016/17 were worth more than $1.5 billion to our Queensland economy and the Ekka certainly contributes greatly to this,” Ms Jones said.

“We’ve also seen an increase in the number of people from south east Queensland making the day trip from the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast.”