Host with the most for major events
The increasing number of athletes who visit the Sunshine Coast for a range of spectacular events are not the only winners, latest data shows. Major events are injecting millions into our economy, boosting businesses, creating jobs and showcasing our region as a great place to live, work and play.
Mooloolaba Triathlon
Major events are injecting millions into our economy, boosting businesses, creating jobs and showcasing our region as a great place to live, work and play.
They also give residents a chance to see exciting elite competitions close to home and promote a fitter and healthier community.
Forward booking data provided by Visit Sunshine Coast highlights the positive impact of the upcoming events on the Sunshine Coast to the tourism industry and businesses.
It shows that hotel occupancies are projected to be more than 75% for the weekend of the Mooloolaba Triathlon (March 9-10), which is well above what is projected for the following weekends.
Also, the data shows the impact of the 2024 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, affectionally known as The Aussies, from April 13-21 with a forecast occupancy 10% higher than the week prior right across the Sunshine Coast.
Several thousand competitors, officials and supporters are expected for The Aussies, being held across three beaches: Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Head of Economic Development Chris Le Serve said the Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy 2018-2028 (2023 refresh) had put our region on the right track, to maximise the value of major events.
“We want the Sunshine Coast to be recognised as Australia’s premier regional events destination where major events deliver maximum results,” Mr Le Serve said.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel echoed that sentiment, saying events provided a compelling reason for people to travel to the Sunshine Coast.
“We see a huge boost to our hotel occupancies during major events such as the Mooloolaba Triathlon and the Aussies,” Mr Stoeckel said.
The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a great sporting host will only grow as we march towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.
Council—an official Co-Host for the Games—is proposed to host nine Olympic and Paralympic events across four Sunshine Coast locations.
To find out more about upcoming events visit https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
Major Events for March
| March | Event |
| 9-10th | Mooloolaba Triathlon |
| 8-10th | Qld Oztag Championships – Senior State Cup |
| 23rd | Yandina 5’0’ |
| 24th | Mooloolaba Ocean Swim |
Background
The Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy provides a guide for the region to realise its full event potential, ensuring that major events contribute to the vision for the Sunshine Coast region to be Australia’s most sustainable region – healthy, smart and creative.
In 2023 the Strategy was reviewed and refreshed by Council in close consultation with the Sunshine Coast Events Board.
A continued focus is on attracting people during off-peak periods to ensure the events Council sponsors align with the key target audience groups of Visit Sunshine Coast.