The event, held at the Narooma Sport and Leisure Centre, attracted 57 exhibition booths and more than 2300 adult visitors. 

HuntFest coordinator Onno de Smeth said there could be “no doubt” that HuntFest provided a boost to the local economy. 

“At a time when local businesses struggle to make ends meet, HuntFest provided an estimated $900,000 boost to the local economy,” Mr de Smeth said. 

“Even though the event only runs over a two-day period, the benefit to the community coffers lasts considerably longer.”

The exit survey, completed by 26 per cent of event goers, shows most people were from NSW and stayed in commercial accommodation. 

The results showed out of the event attendees, 74 per cent came from NSW, 54 per cent of which were from out of the Eurobodalla and Bega Shires, 12 per cent came from the ACT, 10 per cent from Victoria, two perc ent from Queensland and 0.3 per cent from South Australia and Tasmania. 

The accommodation figures showed 51 per cent stayed in commercial accommodation, 24 per cent were day visitors, 15 per cent were residents, seven per cent stayed with family or friends and three per cent stayed in their own holiday homes. 

The length of stay varied, but most people stayed an average of three nights. 

A total of 1690 nights of accommodation were booked, estimated at $124 per night.

Of those who completed the survey, 79 per cent indicated they had made purchases from local shops, five per cent did not purchase anything and 16 per cent did not give a response. 

Eighty-five percent of people experienced restaurants and/or cafes, six per cent did not. 

All exhibitors were also surveyed. Results showed 92 per cent of were from NSW, four per cent from Victoria, two per cent from Queensland, 1.5 per cent from ACT and 0.5 per cent from South Africa. 

Eighty eight per cent of HuntFest visitors indicated they would return to Narooma next year to attend the event, while only one per cent said they would not return. 

Related coverage: HuntFest under threat