Findings from the most recent study of delegate spending and travel patterns undertaken at the Cairns Convention Centre have shown that conventions continue generating big economic advantages for the region.
The research project’s report has calculated that events at the Cairns Convention Centre during 2018 created 133,784 room nights and contributed around $80 million in direct spending to the regional economy.
The comprehensive analysis undertaken by Cummings Research and the Convention Centre involved delegate surveying of all major conferences between April and December 2018.
Total spending generated by each convention delegate in this period, including their accompanying partners and pre and post touring, averaged nearly $3,500, with international delegates having the highest yield at $3,807.
Conventions bring visitors to our region for a purpose with 81% of International Delegates not having been to Cairns before. Once they do come, they are hooked on the region with 66% of International Delegates and 84% of domestic delegates vowing to return for a holiday within the next 5 years.
The General Manager of the Convention Centre, Ross Steele said 36% of delegates travelled with at least one accompanying partner and family members whilst many also undertook extra activities and tours in addition to their conference stay. We have also seen a significant rise in international delegates arriving directly into Cairns at 51% up from 38% in 2014 which supports direct international airline access into Cairns.
“The Centre hosted some wonderful events during 2018 generating significant economic benefit to the region and promoting the destination not only as a world leader in business events but also as a great place to visit for a future holiday. Cairns has a multi-faceted visitor economy and the Convention Centre is proud to play a significant role in bringing high yielding business event delegates to our region.”
| Cummings Research/Cairns Convention Centre Convention Delegate Economic Impact Study |
| Summary of 2018 Findings |
| Total Spend Per Delegate (including Accompany Partners) | $3,432 |
| Average Length of Stay International Delegates | |
| Conference Period | 4.7 nights |
| Pre/Post Touring | 3.7 nights |
| Total | 8.4 nights |
| Average Length of Stay Domestic Delegates | |
| Conference Period | 3.2 nights |
| Pre/Post Touring | 2.1 nights |
| Total | 5.3 nights |
Other Findings
| 36% of delegates had one or more accompanying partners. |
| 62% of national delegates undertook pre/post tours. |
| 85% of international delegates undertook pre/post tours. |
| 51% of International Delegates arrived by air directly into Cairns. |
| 31% of national delegates had not visited Cairns previously. |
| 81% of international delegates had not visited Cairns previously. |
| 66% of International delegates will consider Cairns again for a holiday. |
| 84% of domestic delegates will consider Cairns for a holiday |
| 93% rated Cairns Convention Centre as good or excellent venue. |
| 97% of delegates would recommend Cairns to friends as a place to visit |
For further information contact
Ross Steele
General Manager
Cairns Convention Centre
T: (07) 4042 4200 intl code (617)
F: (07) 4052 1152 intl code (617)
E: [email protected]
W: www.cairnsconvention.com.au
22 January 2019
A Queensland Government initiative operated by ASM Global
About ASM Global
ASM Global is part of AEG Facilities of the United States, a division of AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company.
ASM Global manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific and Middle East, including Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cairns Convention Centre, Darwin Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, and ICC Sydney; Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane; and arenas in Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth, and Dubai (opening mid-2019). ASM Global is also a part owner of National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Sydney Kings. More information asmglobal.com
In addition, AEG Facilities operates the Los Angeles Convention Centre, Hawaii Convention Centre, and Puerto Rico Convention Centre. More information aegworldwide.com
