Ipswich City Council has long known that Ipswich is a leading tourism destination rivalling the best that South East Queensland has to offer – and now the latest visitation numbers are in to prove it.
Data released from Tourism Research Australia shows total visitor expenditure in Ipswich has reached a record high of $346 million in the year to March 2023.
Ipswich City Council Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said tourism is a crucial driver of the Ipswich economy and a key focus for council.
“Total domestic expenditure of $346 million in our city is a huge jump from previous years, smashing the average annual spend of around $200 million over the past five years,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“Ipswich’s overnight visitation has increased by 25% since before the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by major events, festivals, corporate tourism and sporting carnivals.
“Whether it’s to enjoy Australia’s best country music at CMC Rocks, celebrate our heritage at Galvanized festival, or take part in the upcoming AFL Inclusion Carnival, domestic visitors are spending more time in Ipswich than ever, leading to record expenditure.
“It is so pleasing to see our city continuing to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and council remains committed to doing all that we can to see these figures continue to rise.
“Other tourism hot spots in South East Queensland are on notice: the numbers are in and it’s well and truly Ipswich’s time to shine.”
Councillor Kunzelmann said that Ipswich City Council is committed to developing and growing the local tourism sector by establishing the region as an accessible daytrip and short break destination within South East Queensland.
“Encouraging more visitors, visitor nights, length of stay and visitor expenditure have all been targets of council’s Destination Management Plan and City Events Plan in recent years, and we are beyond thrilled to see the proof is in the pudding,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“We know that Ipswich is a vibrant, accessible and scenic city, offering everything that visitors could want from a short break or day trip.
“Whether it’s our incredible festivals like SPARK, award-winning local attractions like The Workshops Rail Museum, or thousands of hectares of nature reserves like Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate to explore, there are endless reasons to visit Ipswich.
“Now that our worst-kept secret is out, council will continue to work with the local tourism sector to ensure Ipswich is a destination of choice for day trippers and longer-stays alike into the future.”
Visitation data has been provided by the Australian Government’s Tourism Research Australia and is derived from the National Visitor Survey.
Inspiration for planning a visit to Ipswich can be found on council’s dedicated website at DiscoverIpswich.com.au
For more information on council’s Destination Management Plan and City Events Plan visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au
