Gold Coast Marathon visitors boost Queensland economy

The Gold Coast Marathon has enhanced its position as one of Queensland’s top mass participation events, with a new report revealing more than 41,000 international and interstate visitors came to Queensland for the 2017 event, pumping $25 million into the economy.

The annual event, the first in Australia to hold an IAAF Road Race Gold Label, welcomed almost 25,000 participants in eight races over two days on 1st and 2nd July, with a record number of entrants from south-east Asia and the United States.

The event’s continued strong participation numbers from domestic and international markets had resulted in 56,875 total attendees generating 87,618 visitor nights in Queensland, an increase of 10% on last year, as well as an additional $1.5 million in economic impact.

Within these figures, the event attracted 41,974 interstate and international visitors to the Gold Coast in July, including 31,973 travel companions of event competitors.

Commenting on the event’s importance, Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones stated “the Gold Coast Marathon remains an attraction for international and interstate entrants and spectators from both the Asia-Pacific region and the USA, as well as from within Australia, providing a boost to local tourism not only for the Gold Coast but also the state.

“Welcoming tens of thousands of runners, walkers, wheelchair competitors and supporters from many different countries to Queensland for this iconic event has generated wonderful tourism outcomes for our state through staging a world-class marathon.

“The marathon has also reinforced the Gold Coast’s status as a premier sporting event destination in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Events Management Queensland Chairman Kerry Watson said the favourable economic figures complement the other outstanding achievements of the 2017 edition, adding “the boost that this event provides the local economy highlights the fact that it is an internationally-recognised event which provides participants a fantastic experience in one of the world’s best holiday destinations.

“Along with the economic impact, the event once again showcased Queensland to the world with a new course record in the women’s marathon, the fastest time in Australia by a female since the 2000 Olympic Games, and another tantalisingly close finish in the men’s event which had everyone on their feet.

“Event CEO Cameron Hart and the team at Events Management Queensland take great pride in delivering this event to the highest standard so it’s a credit to the group and stakeholders for their tireless efforts to attain such wonderful results.”

The Gold Coast Marathon is organised by Events Management Queensland, a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.

The 40th annual Gold Coast Marathon will be held on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July 2018.

For more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au 

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