Record-breaking 2021 Parrtjima festival generates almost $10m for economy, 15,000 visitors flock to Alice Springs
New research has revealed this year’s Parrtjima – A Festival in Light generated almost $10 million in economic revenue.
Northern Territory
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NEW research has revealed this year’s Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, which attracted more visitors to the Alice Springs event than ever before, generated almost $10 million in economic revenue.
An independent study commissioned by the NT Major Events Company, confirmed the 2021 Festival in Light helped boost visitation, jobs and economic flow-on benefits.
It was found more than 15,300 unique visitors attended the festival in April, and 5,200 of those said the festival was their key motivation for visiting the Territory.
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The event was estimated to directly support more than 13,300 days of employment and 60 full time equivalent jobs.
Major Events Minister Natasha Fyles said the event’s expansion from previous years was “fantastic for our economy”.
“Parrtjima continues to go from strength to strength, with benefits to Territorians building year upon year,” she said.
“This research shows investing in events is money well spent – they are a key driver for our tourism and hospitality industries, and are often the deciding factor for sparking someone’s holiday.”
The 2021 event attracted more than double the number of visitors to the Red Centre than last year’s event and was also “up significantly” on the 2019 event numbers.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chansey Paech said the boosts to different industries brought on by the event was tangible.
“Hotels were bustling, hire cars were hitting the roads, and hospitality venues experienced a boost in customers,” he said.
“From tourists to Territorians, there really is something for everyone, and anyone in the Red Centre during Parrtjima couldn’t fail to see the benefits it brought.
“This event just keeps on getting bigger and better – and we love what it brings in to the Red Centre.”
The 10-night Parrtjima 2022 festival will take place from 8-17 April next year. https://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/
Originally published as Record-breaking 2021 Parrtjima festival generates almost $10m for economy, 15,000 visitors flock to Alice Springs