An investment once viewed as a risky bet on regional Australia has returned $1.67 billion to the Tropical North Queensland economy, underpinning one of Australia’s strongest examples of how business events can diversify regional economies beyond traditional tourism.
New economic impact data released by Cairns Convention Centre to mark its 30th anniversary shows how the Centre has helped transform Cairns from a seasonal tourism destination into a globally recognised business events hub, attracting international and national conferences typically reserved for Australia’s capital cities, welcoming some 3 million delegates across close to 2,500 conferences and events, generating 2.9 million room nights.
General Manager Janet Hamilton said the Cairns Convention Centre opened in 1996 with a mandate to broaden Cairns’ economic base beyond leisure tourism and has proven that strategic regional infrastructure can generate economic returns well beyond its original purpose.
“Thirty years ago, backing a world-class convention centre in regional Australia was considered a bold gamble. Today, the results speak for themselves,” Ms Hamilton said.
“Business events visitors are among Australia’s highest-yield visitors, staying longer and spending more, creating sustained demand for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers and local businesses and supporting thousands of jobs across the visitor economy.
“The Cairns Convention Centre has become an economic catalyst, attracting conferences that bring delegates from Australia and around the world, investment, research collaboration and commercial opportunities to Tropical North Queensland. We’ve shown that regional destinations can compete on the global stage and deliver conferences that were once considered the exclusive domain of Australia’s capital cities,” Ms Hamilton said
The city’s growing aviation connectivity has been central to that transformation, with Cairns now serving as a strategic northern gateway linking Australia with Asia, North America and Europe, making it an increasingly attractive destination for international conferences seeking unique locations with global accessibility.
Cairns offers something truly unique. Delegates can step off a plane, be at their hotel within minutes and walk to the world-class convention centre, all while being surrounded by two UNESCO World Heritage-listed environments. Few destinations in the world can offer that combination of accessibility, natural beauty and conference infrastructure.
The Centre’s $176 million expansion, funded by the Queensland Government and completed in 2023, significantly increases its capacity to host larger conventions and multiple concurrent events, strengthening its ability to attract more business events and compete in the global market.
Peter Loxton, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific and Middle East for Legends Global, the company that operates and manages the Cairns Convention Centre, said the Centre had delivered lasting economic and social benefits to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
“Cairns and Queensland’s Far North have been well served by the Cairns Convention Centre which has delivered $1.67 billion in direct economic impact through almost 2,500 events welcoming 3 million delegates which generated 2.9 million room nights,” Mr Loxton said.
“The Centre plays an instrumental role in boosting tourism and trade across Cairns and the broader region, and it has a bright future ahead, particularly as Queensland and Australia build momentum towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Ms Hamilton, who led the expansion project, said collaboration had always been the Centre’s greatest strength.
“Our success has come from the entire destination working together, hotels, tourism operators, local businesses, government and the community united by a shared ambition to showcase Cairns to the world,” Ms Hamilton said.
“The Centre ensures future generations will continue to benefit from business events that strengthen our economy while bringing global expertise and new opportunities to Tropical North Queensland.”
Cairns Convention Centre’s First Nations partnerships and sustainability initiatives including its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, partnerships with Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Traditional Owners and commitment to showcasing Indigenous culture through authentic experiences strengthen its reputation as a leader in responsible business events.
“I pay tribute to the previous leaders and employees who have worked at the Centre over the past 30 years. I am also very proud of the current team of dedicated professionals who have helped build the Centre’s reputation and consistently delivered exceptional experiences that keep delegates returning to Cairns,” Ms Hamilton said.
The Centre also champions sustainability by sourcing from more than 270 regional suppliers and producers.
As business events evolve, the Centre is attracting conferences across Health, Science, Education and Training, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Tourism, Aviation and the Creative Industries as it proves world-changing ideas can thrive in regional cities.