Major sporting and cultural events inject $31 million into Cairns economy

Cairns Council support of $1.47 million from Council’s Major Events Sponsorship program, resulted in $31 million being injected into the Cairns economy in the previous financial year.

The Major Events Sponsorship program works alongside partners, such as Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Tourism Events Queensland, to deliver premier sporting, cultural and entertainment events that align with Cairns’ character.

Events supported in 2023/24 included 7 Cairns Marathon; Queensland Pool Rescue Championships; NRL Premiership match between South Sydney and St George; Reef to Reef; Cairns Amateurs; Cairns Tennis International; Port Douglas Gran Fondo; Shine on Gimuy; UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships; Crankworx Cairns; and Ironman Cairns.

The events delivered an estimated total economic impact of $31.2 million, achieved through attracting 22,721 visitors and over 108,000 visitor nights.

Mayor Amy Eden said the program was instrumental in attracting visitors to the region, bolstering the local economy, and enhancing the profile of Cairns as a premier event destination.

Mayor Eden advised “our tourism industry has set an ambitious target of becoming a $7.5 billion industry in eight years’ time so it’s critical that all levels of government work with operators and our peak bodies to achieve that milestone.

“Attracting the some of the world’s top sportspeople and amazing events gives our local businesses a welcome economic boost and promotes Cairns as a vibrant and thriving city.”

TTNQ Chief Executive Mark Olsen said major events are crucial to extending the tourism season in Tropical North Queensland by giving visitors a reason to travel to the destination outside the popular winter months.

“They are instrumental in attracting first-time visitors who may not have had the destination on their radar and then return with family and friends,” he said

“Importantly, major events help to create year-round employment to support the one in five jobs that depend on the tourism industry in our region and attract investment in world-class sporting infrastructure for our local community to enjoy.

“The publicity that these events bring to the destination is a welcome bonus with more than $13 million worth recorded in 2023-24 helping to amplify our marketing of Tropical North Queensland to a much broader audience.”

Image top. Ironman Cairns; Image below: Crankworx Cairns