Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) has reported a 950% increase in room nights since 2010 despite suffering a “significant” hit from last year’s floods.
With an estimated damage bill exceeding $500 million, floods and cyclones in Queensland last year left the tourism industry reeling as visitors opted for destinations outside the state.
The meetings and events industry was also dealt a body blow according to BESC business events manager Pippa McCreery, who said many events organisers postponed or cancelled events as a result of the floods and cyclone.
“Queensland was significantly affected by bad weather last year. Bookings for tourism and business were really hit hard,” she told The Nibbler.
But less than 12 months on, the situation has significantly improved, with BESC recently reporting a substantial increase in room nights since July 2010 – driven by an 80% boost in business delegates.
Groups are also extending their stay and group sizes have increased by 20% to 30%, McCreery added.
“We are recovering from the weather. People are regaining confidence [after the floods] and we’re seeing a huge influx of people on the coast,” she said.
McCreery credited the trend to a range of new properties, refurbishments and new product over the past 12 months.
McCreery remained confident lead conversions would increase 50% this year as the bureau targeted its marketing department. “I’m confident we can lock in more business this year. We can get there,” she said.
