The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo is proving a strong economic boost for Mount Isa and the wider Outback region, according to a new Tourism and Events Queensland-commissioned report.
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Rodeo General Manager Natalie Flecker said the tourism impact study found almost 30,500 people attended the 2017 Isa Rodeo.
Ms Flecker said the number of nights spent in Mount Isa for the event increased from 27,595 in 2016 to 30,841 visitor nights in 2017, an increase of 12 per cent.
“The event is vitally important to Mount Isa with spending in Mount Isa by attendees increasing to $9.22 million in 2017 from $8.13 million the previous year,” Ms Flecker said.
“The event also achieved more than $7 million ROI (return on investment) for Queensland, so this is a very positive result.”
Ms Flecker said the Isa Rodeo would celebrate its Diamond Jubilee 60th anniversary this August.
“Anecdotal evidence already points to strong interest from visitors wanting to attend in this special anniversary year,” she said.
Ms Flecker said the event had also experienced growth from international visitors including 29 from the United States; and double this amount from Europe.
“The survey also found 95 per cent of attendees agreed that the Isa Rodeo added to the region’s appeal,” she said.
“Other very positive results included 92% agreeing that Buchanan Park was a great location for the rodeo.”
The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo’s Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Rodeo will be held from August 9 to 12, 2018.
Mount Isa Mines Rotary Inc chair Mr Darren Campi said planning was already well underway for the anniversary rodeo, which will be held over four days instead of the usual three.
“The first Isa Rodeo was held in 1959, but next year will be our 60th rodeo because we held a second, special mini rodeo in 1970 when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Mount Isa,” Mr Campi said.
“This year will be a very special rodeo, and if you have ever wanted to experience an incredible Outback spectacle, we will be ready to welcome you.”
The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Rodeo will be held from 9 to 12 August, 2018.
The rodeo currently holds the 2016 Australian Tourism Award for best festival and event, and will contest the 2017 national awards in Perth on February 23.
The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and promoted as part of the “It’s Live! in Queensland” event calendar.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
