Tourism operators gather to leverage on future events

The Events and Conference Briefing was held on Thursday (November 21) at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

The briefing will provide operators with an overview of the 2020 events and conference calendar and help generate ideas for how they can maximise their business opportunities.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the briefing would also provide a valuable networking opportunity for accommodation providers, retailers, restaurant operators and event organisers.

“Events and conferences attract investment, foster trade, generate employment, and offer much-needed income in shoulder and off-peak seasons,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The impact of major events on regional communities is undeniable,” he said.

“Council has proactively invested $4.8 million to support attractions for the region through our Invest Mackay Conference and Event Attraction Program.

“Since the program’s inception in 2015, the region has secured 188 events and conferences, with an estimated injection of $127 million into the local economy.”

The Mackay region’s reputation as a nationally and internationally desired tourism destination was recently recognised with strong visitation and expenditure figures being recorded in the latest international and national visitor surveys.

Mayor Williamson said the results demonstrated very clearly, tourism’s place as a key pillar to the region’s economy.
Some of the events for 2020 include the Bowen Basin Symposium, Rotary Emerging Convention and the Mountain Bike Australia Cross Country National Cup Round and UCI Class 2 Event.

The briefing starts at 6pm and for more information, interested businesses can contact council’s Economic Development team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
For further information please contact:

Melissa Rogers, Communications Coordinator 4961 9446