Records were broken at this year's 60th Anniversary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, with new data showing tourists spent a record $12.24 million in the local economy - $500,000 more than in 2018.
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Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the overall attendance figure had surpassed 2018's previous record, with attendance of 39,933 over the four-day event, generating more than 64,000 visitor nights in Queensland.
"We back events that support local jobs and generate a strong return for local businesses. To see this event attract record crowds and break visitor expenditure records is a great coup," Ms Jones said.
"Events are crucial when it comes to growing our tourism industry. That's why we're investing heavily in this industry and supporting operators to grow their events.
"Earlier this year the Premier declared 2019 the Year of Outback Tourism. This was proof of the government's focus to grow outback tourism. The fact that we've seen strong growth in this sector in 2019 is a testament to the fact that the government's strategy is working."
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Chief Executive Officer Natalie Flecker said the Isa Rodeo was committed to delivering a world-class experience in Outback Queensland.
"It has been a very challenging year for our region and of course, for many other parts of Australia," Ms Flecker said.
"We are thrilled to not only maintain the 20 per cent increase in attendance for the past two consecutive years, but also to achieve an increase in 2019, our 60th year.
"We are already working on the 2020 rodeo, and would love to welcome even more visitors to Outback Queensland for this truly iconic event."
Ms Flecker said the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, naming rights sponsor Mount Isa Mines and other loyal sponsors was instrumental to the event's continued success.
"We are very proud to have directly donated more than $5 million back to our community plus provided the major fundraising platform for many local community groups and charities over the years," she said.
Mount Isa Mines General Manager of Health, Safety, Environment and Community Maryann Wipaki said the rodeo provided significant economic benefits for local businesses and community groups.
"In 2019, more than 35 local community groups benefitted from the opportunity to provide services at the rodeo, providing for self-sustaining community fundraising, enterprise development and industry diversification," said Ms Wipaki.
"We're proud to be the naming rights sponsor and acknowledge the success of this iconic event and the benefits it brings to the region," she said.
The Mount Isa Mines 60th Rodeo was held from 8 - 11 August 2019 and included the return of the popular international challenge featuring North American competitors and an incredible entertainment lineup including John `The Voice' Farnham live in the arena, as well as Birds of Tokyo, Lee Kernaghan and Casey Barnes.
The 62nd Isa Rodeo will be held from 6 to 9 August 2020.
Isa Rodeo holds the Australian Tourism Award for Festivals and Events - winning Gold (2018), Silver (2017) and Gold (2016).
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