Qld’s 2019 calendar is even more event-ful than this year

A smorgasbord of big events in Queensland next year will pump an estimated $800 million into the state’s economy.

QUEENSLAND events have never looked so lively, and the state’s growing portfolio of major events will pump $800 million into the economy next year, according to new economic modelling revealed today.

State Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the ‘‘It’s Live! In Queensland’’ events calendar would be worth more than ever in 2019.

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It represents an increase of $20 million on this year which was pumped up by the once-in-a-generation Commonwealth Games, and is more than double the figure of $380 million from just three years ago.

“Major events are crucial to growing Queensland’s economy,” Ms Jones said.

“Over the last three years, we more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar.

“Tourism and Investment Queensland’s latest data analysis just goes to show that this sector is continuing to grow from strength to strength.”

Ms Jones said it was important to continue to build on the legacy of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – Queensland’s largest event yet.

“The Games put Queensland on the map as a world-leading destination for major events,” she said.

Suncorp Stadium will host an entire NRL ‘Magic Round’.

Many of the blockbuster 2019 events are established calendar regulars, such as the Brisbane International tennis tournament, Gold Coast 600 motor race and quirky classics like the Birdsville Races and Big Red Bash.

However, the calendar will also be boosted by new events, including the NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium in May, and the Curiocity celebration of science in March and April.

SportAccord, a major international sports conference where delegates from the world’s most powerful sports and governing bodies come together to negotiate hosting rights, will also be held on the Gold Coast in May.

It will bring 1500 representatives from up to 100 countries, representing 500 different international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, businesses and other sporting organisations to the coast.

This year’s Birdsville Races. Picture: Salty Dingo

QUEENSLAND CALENDAR

· Brisbane International (Dec 30-Jan 6)

· Magic Millions racing carnival, Gold Coast (Jan 4-15)

· Curiocity, Brisbane (March 15-April 3)

· SportAccord, Gold Coast (May 5-10)

· NRL Magic Round, Brisbane (May 9-12)

· Birdsville races (September 6-7)

· Gold Coast 600 motor carnival (October 25-27)