NUMBERS ARE IN: Biggest Carnival ever generates millions

EARLY figures coming out of this year's carnival indicate it could pump $14 million into Toowoomba's economy.

EARLY figures are indicating that this year's Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers could be the biggest yet.

The State Government revealed the 2018 event is tipped to generate $14 million to the local economy after tourists packed Queens Park and the city's Gardens for the marquee event.

The figure comes on the back of the 2016 and 2017 Carnival's pumping $10 million and $13.9 million into the city.

"It's great that on World Tourism Day we can announce this week's Carnival of Flowers is the biggest ever," Tourism Industry Development minister Kate Jones said.

"These figures just go to show how important this event is when it comes to growing Toowoomba's tourism economy.

"And with the historic 70th iteration of the event next year, we know these numbers will only continue to grow in the future."

Floral Parade

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The Heritage Bank Food and Wine Festival's 10,000 tickets sold out in record time on Saturday, with Friday and Sunday nights also seeing an increase from previous years with just under 10,000 people attending.

It is also estimated that more than 100,000 people lined the city's streets for the Grand Parade.

That surge in visitors is not expected to slow down, as the inaugural Night Garden event to outstrip expectations with 1000 tickets pre-sold prior to last night's opening.

Originally published as NUMBERS ARE IN: Biggest Carnival ever generates millions