Major events injected $84 million into economy

Major events injected $84 million into economy

Major events held during the 2014/15 financial year injected an estimated $84 million into Geelong’s economy.

A total of 29 major events were held in the Geelong region from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 and included new events such as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Australian Under 16 Basketball Championships and the I14 World Sailing Championships.

Geelong Major Events’ annual report detailed the 29 major events which attracted an estimated 650,000 spectators and generated expenditure of $84 million, which is the equivalent of supporting 672 full time jobs in the region.

Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said major events continued to provide huge economic and social benefits to Geelong.

Mayor Lyons said new events such as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Australian Under 16 Basketball Championships had been huge successes.

“Major events are big business in Geelong. Take the Cadel Evans race for example - in its first year it attracted up to 100,000 people around the streets of Geelong and generated more than $13 million in expenditure for our region,” he said.

Mayor Lyons said the events also provided significant social benefits for our community.

“Not only do these events provide some amazing spectator opportunities but 15 of the 29 offer free access and entertainment to the public,” said Mayor Lyons.

Councillor Ron Nelson, who holds the City’s Major Events portfolio said Geelong’s traditional hallmark events continued to boost our region’s economy.

“The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition continues to be our biggest event attracting more than 169,000 visits and generating $22 million for our region,” said Cr Nelson.

Cr Nelson said Geelong’s bayside location and coast and rural surrounds makes our region the perfect location for a range of events and festivals.

“Our food and wine festivals such as Toast To The Coast and the Portarlington Mussel Festival are thriving and cultural festivals such as The National Celtic Festival and Pako Festa continue to attract enormous support from our multicultural community,” he said.

“Our aim is to attract a wide range of exciting events that cater to all ages and tastes and show off Geelong’s appeal as a fantastic tourism destination,” said Cr Nelson.

For more information visit City of Greater Geelong