The 2016 Eurobodalla River of Art Festival was bigger than ever this year with total people attending events up 39 per cent to 19,095; contributing more than $3.4 million to the local economy.
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“This is the headline result after counting 2476 individual survey forms along with the numbers attending more than 100 individual events,” festival chairperson Sue Barford said.
“These figures show that this 10-day regional arts celebration is now a major tourism drawcard that delivers a valuable economic boost for the Eurobodalla region – all the more important because it makes us a desirable destination in late May during the off-peak season.”
The festival has grown steadily year by year since 2011 and visitors attending from outside the Eurobodalla Shire continued to increase in 2016.
“Of course, more visitors translates into more bed nights and more spending in local businesses,” Ms Barford said.
While visitors from Sydney, Canberra and Victoria accounted for more bed nights, there was a remarkable 70 per cent jump in people travelling to the festival from other parts of regional NSW.
“Because of the number of surveys collected this year, we now have data that is more accurate and informative for evaluating the festival’s economic return,” Ms Barford said. “Our 2016 figures not only showed bed nights were up by 1049 this year, they also indicated that most visitors are staying for longer – on average just over three bed nights per person.”
Using Tourism Research Australia’s official calculator, this means the River of Art Festival brought more than $3.4 million into the local economy.
“One of the discoveries that really delighted the festival committee when we tallied up the survey results was our finding that far more local residents had joined in activities this year, with 10,502 people taking part – a 55 per cent increase on 2015,” she said. “This shows that our community has embraced the festival’s many attractions. Better still, we know that local residents are also inviting their families and friends from near and far afield.”
The committee attributes record audiences to a diverse program with broad appeal along with the spread of activities all along the Eurobodalla coastline from South Durras to Wallaga Lake. New events targeting younger audiences broadened the festival’s reach and boosted numbers.
“The festival would not be possible without our renowned local artists,” she said. “Our success is also a tribute to the many local business that partnered with us through sponsorships, advertising and hosting of Art on Parade exhibitions.
“What makes the River of Art Festival unique is the fact that it draws tourists and locals alike to a wide range of galleries, shops and cafes up and down the coast, not just in one town.
“On top of the visitor and accommodation spend, the festival directly contributed to the local economy through advertising, venue and equipment hire, printing and other services.
“Above all, the festival is proof positive of the value of the arts, not only in creating a vibrant cultural community but also in contributing to our local economy.
“The volunteer Eurobodalla River of Art Festival Committee, which meets again in Narooma this week, recognises that it’s now time to take the next step.
“The scale and complexity of the festival demands professional event management expertise and long-term investment to build on its tourism success and grow its economic benefits.
“We’ve begun discussions with the Eurobodalla Shire Council and will be reporting back to the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Both have been major supporters in the past.
“This year’s record return on their investment gives us confidence that we will attract the backing needed to sustain the festival in future years and realise its full potential.”
The 2016 Eurobodalla River of Art Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government as part of its Regional Flagship Events Program. The festival also won a gold award at the 2015 South Coast Regional Tourism Awards.