Geelong’s 2018 Christmas program generated a record $18.5 million and attracted more than 330,000 visitors, a recent council report estimated.
The amount tops the previous benchmark of an estimated $18 million when Geelong’s floating Christmas tree debuted in 2014.
The figure has fluctuated between last year’s high and about $13 million in 2016.
The Christmas program created great community pride and attracted people to Geelong, providing a major boost for traders, Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
“Christmas is a fantastic time in Geelong and I really enjoyed seeing families and children coming together and celebrating the festive season in our own uniquely Geelong way.”
Geelong’s Christmas celebrations kicked off on 9 November with the lighting of the floating tree in front of more than 15,000 people.
An estimated 193,650 people visited the tree between then and 7 January.
The program also featured City Hall projections, a central Geelong Christmas trail and decorations throughout the city.
Almost 18 per cent of people who joined the festivities came from outside Geelong, with 7.9 per cent from Melbourne, 8.4 per cent from regional Victoria and 1.4 per cent from interstate.
Last October council committed $2.3 million to keep Geelong’s Christmas tree afloat until 2024.
In May Cr Harwood told the Indy he would investigate state funding for the tree due to “its significant tourism and economic impact for Geelong”.
“We’ll take advice from local MPs initially and see what feedback we get.”
Last October tourism and events portfolio holder Ron Nelson said council had to “make the tree better” given its public support and commercial benefit.
But City Hall’s investment director Brett Luxford this week declined to reveal if council had applied or planned to apply for state or federal funding for the tree.
“The city has funded the hugely successful floating Christmas tree since 2014,” he said.
“The major ongoing costs for the tree, which are covered in our annual budget, are maintenance, storage, assembly and disassembly.
“Each year we look for new ways to improve our Christmas program through providing a range of events, activities and attractions that engage and bring our community together.”
