Greater Geelong’s economy was boosted to the tune of $24.8million by hosting 13 major events in 2021-22 according to the City of Greater Geelong.
Council said events such as the 2021 Archie 100 exhibition at Geelong Gallery is expected to have stimulated more than $4.73 million in economic benefit and the 2022 Festival of Sails (excluding the fireworks display) $4.1 million.
The Geelong Revival Festival in March 2022 pumped more than $3.594 million into the economy and $2.353 million was delivered through the 2022 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta.
Nine other events, including the Victorian Open Golf Tournament at Barwon Heads, Surround Sounds Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival, delivered a combined total of more than $10 million.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Ben Flynn said while a lot of businesses had yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, major events were welcome in the area.
“The great thing about these events is that diverse people are brought to Geelong,” he said.
“People in Geelong love where we live and we love showing it off to other people.
“We have a sense of pride in our community and that continues to build a vibrant culture.”
Mr Flynn said hospitality and accommodation benefited most from major events, but the flow on effect ensured other businesses could also profit.
“Those big events use locals to set their infrastructure,” he said.
Council supported major events with $1.05 million in Geelong Major Events funding. The stimulus created an estimated 198 local full-time jobs between November 5 2021 and June 30 2022.
Chair of Geelong Major Events Committee Ron Nelson said the events industry had reawakened.
“GME’s support of event organisers through changing restrictions and its work to attract major national and international events continues to strengthen Greater Geelong’s reputation as a reliable and innovative events destination,” he said.
“GME is proud to have invested more than $1 million in sponsorship, with the success of these 13 major events leading to significant economic and reputational benefits for the region.”
