Latest news with #FreshInfo
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mount Festival Of Multisport Delivers Boost To Tauranga's Economy
The 2025 Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport has once again proven itself to be a standout event on Tauranga's annual sporting calendar, drawing thousands to the region and generating close to $1 million in visitor spend. On Saturday, 18 January, the streets of Mount Maunganui buzzed with energy as spectators and athletes gathered for the much-anticipated multisport festival. According to an economic impact report by Fresh Info, commissioned by Tauranga City Council, the event attracted 5,221 attendees. Of those, over half were visitors from outside the region, causing a combined 5,357 visitor nights and $998,167 in spend across the city. Public feedback shows the Mount Festival of Multisport isn't just a hit with visitors - it's embraced by the community too. An impressive 96% of all athletes reported being satisfied with the event, while 88% of local athletes said it boosted their sense of pride in Tauranga. Additionally, 93% felt the festival had a positive impact on the city's liveability, highlighting its role in bringing people together and injecting energy and vibrancy into Tauranga over summer. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the reported outcomes are a strong endorsement of the festival and the role events like this play in shaping the city's future. 'The Mount Festival of Multisport plays a pivotal role in positioning Tauranga as a leading destination for multisport and triathlon events,' says Mahé. 'These are fantastic economic results for the city, with visitors coming to compete, support, and explore our region. Best of all, events like this bring world-class sporting action right to the doorstep of our local community.' Festival Director, Julia Tilley, says the results are incredibly encouraging for the organising team. 'It's rewarding to know that the event not only brings people together for the sporting experience, but also delivers real benefits to local businesses and the Tauranga community. These benefits reinforce the value of our ongoing efforts to attract participants from out of town and motivate us to keep raising the bar and finding new ways to enhance the festival for everyone involved.' Highlights from the economic impact report commissioned by Fresh Info for the Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport held earlier this year. What began as the Tauranga Half triathlon in 1990 has grown into one of New Zealand's longest-running and most respected half-ironman events. Set against a stunning backdrop, the race features a swim in Pilot Bay, a run that winds along the coastline and the base of Mauao, and a bike leg on the Tauranga Eastern Link highway, closed especially for the event. In 2015, the event expanded into what is now known as the Mount Festival of Multisport, with the addition of the AquaBike and Half Marathon events. While each event retains its own identity, together they offer something for everyone, collectively providing athletes and the community with an exciting day of competition. Some of the standout moments from this year's Festival include elite men's champion Jack Moody setting a new course record in the Tauranga Half Triathlon. The festival also saw its highest-ever overall attendance. The Mount Festival of Multisport is proudly supported by Tauranga City Council's Tauranga Event Fund, a fund designed to offer support for national events aiming to attract visitors and deliver economic benefits to the city. Judging by these results, the festival has certainly delivered. It's also a fantastic platform to showcase Tauranga's passion for sport, fitness, and the outdoors, set against beautiful natural surroundings. Looking ahead, organisers aim to grow the event's international reputation further. 'Our goal is to keep raising the bar – delivering unforgettable experiences and creating lasting value for the community and the city,' says Julia. 'It truly is a team effort,' Julia adds. 'The Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport is made possible thanks to the support of Tauranga City Council, generous sponsors, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, local suppliers, and the wider Tauranga community. This energy and encouragement from our community are what make this event so special.'
Otago Daily Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Electric Avenue breaks visitor spend record
The sold-out Electric Avenue festival in Christchurch resulted in a visitor spend of almost $10.5 million, an economic impact report from FreshInfo shows. The two day festival in February eclipsed the $6.3 million spent in the city by Electric Avenue attendees in 2024. The year was the first year it was held over two days. Said team event director Callam Mitchell: 'Moving to a two-day festival has been a work in progress for several years, and we're thrilled with how successful it's become, and how the whole city seem to be embracing it. 'Approximately 34,000 tickets were sold as full weekend passes proving there is a real appetite for a central multi-day festival, and we're already working hard behind the scenes towards the 2026 edition.' Electric Avenue attendees said they loved the event, with 96% reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with their event experience and 96% of resident event attendees saying that hosting events like Electric Avenue makes the city a more enjoyable place to live. Reviewers also raved about the festival, with The Spinoff's Liv Sisson saying, 'Everyone I've talked to loved it. Every review has been glowing.' Stuff's reviewer said, 'Electric Avenue 2025 sent a clear message to New Zealand and the world — Christchurch is back, it's ready for international artists and, after years of rebuilding, it's becoming a cultural capital.' An estimated 55% of event attendees came from outside of Christchurch. 'This festival truly felt like a Coachella, a Bonnaroo, maybe even a Tomorrowland," said Mitchell. "The kind of thing you'd travel for, save for, plan for months with your mates for,' writes Sisson. The public seemed to agree, with demand for 20,000 more tickets than were available." The festival also helped accommodation providers, with the city at 98% occupancy during Electric Avenue, which generated 62,902 visitor nights with an average stay of 2.97 nights. Festivalgoers partied to more than 60 acts across five stages across a site as large as 20 football fields while using 300,000 reusable cups that were washed and re-used on site. ChristchurchNZ head of major events Karena Finnie said it was exciting to see the city's homegrown festival super-size. 'We are looking forward to seeing this event go from strength to strength. Callam and his team have defied the negative headwinds that have affected music festivals worldwide and the success of Electric Avenue shows Ōtautahi Christchurch has something for everyone. This reputation helps our city attract students and young workers, helping to fill the talent pipeline for our city's innovative businesses.'
