17 January 2023
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers smashes 2022 attendance figures, looks to 75th anniversary in 2024
The numbers are in and once again, the flowers have the power! Australia’s most beautiful event, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, has released results for 2022, and records have been smashed! The total number of attendees increased an astonishing 28% to 364,775, with 121,535 overnight stays generated.
Overall, the event generated $22.61 million in direct and incremental spending in Queensland.
“For the second year, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was celebrated over all 30 days of September, headlined by 190,000 spectacular blooms, flourishing under the hands of an army of Council gardeners, with the result being more attendance and revenue figures broken as people from all over Australia converged on our Garden City,” Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Paul Antonio said.
“The continued expansion of this iconic event has generated extraordinary financial and social benefits for the community. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a significant economic performer for the region and Queensland, and we look forward to our 2023 event, and then, in 2024, celebrating 75 years of flower power,” Mayor Antonio said.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the event continued to go from strength to strength.
“Flower and event-lovers are voting with their feet and proving the success of expanding the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers into a month-long event,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This brings huge benefits to the local community with accommodation providers, tourism experiences, retailers and local restaurants all bustling throughout September with that $22 million boost.
“That’s why the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is supported as a major event and key feature of our It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
“I encourage visitors to start planning and booking their travel now for the 2023 event.”
Other success highlights from 2022 include:
- The Botanic Gardens in Queens Park welcomed 196,109 visitors (up 8.36% from 180,976 in 2021, a Covid-19 year).
- Laurel Bank Park welcomed 93,128 visitors (an increase of 9.92% compared to 84,722 recorded in 2021) as well as five sold out After Dark tours.
- Toowoomba’s number one social event of the year, the Festival of Food and Wine, welcomed 14,921 people over the three days of music, food and wine which saw nine national music acts perform alongside nine local acts, and local produce celebrated. The event also led the way for sustainable practices – all stallholders were required to again use only compostable serve ware, cups, straws, bags and packaging.
- Visitor Information Centres managed a total of 18,681 visitor enquiries during September, a staggering 96% higher than 2021 and an 8.7% increase to pre-Covid figures of 2019.
- In its fifth year, the Night Garden powered by Ergon Energy Retail featured 26 lighting displays, attracting 15,436 visitors, 72 per cent more than in 2021.
- Some 60,000 people lined the streets to watch the Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday 17 September at the earlier time of 10am, allowing fans to explore the city for the rest of the day. With the 2022 theme being “Reflect, Connect and Sparkle”. 2512 participants walked the parade route from 66 entrant organisations!
- This year’s regional food trail #trEATS (Toowoomba Region EATS) featured a record number of floral-inspired dishes – 43 in total – from cafes, restaurants and bars all priced between $10 and $20. From a dessert representation of Toowoomba’ famous Table Top Mountain by Muller Bros, to a reimagined tiramisu featuring Persian rose fairy floss and a flower petal lollipop from Cobb + Co Museum!
- The inaugural Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Picnic Point on 24 September welcomed more than 1500 teddy bear fans! Tambo Teddies (who manufacture products in Toowoomba) showcased their iconic bears and supported the event with a mad hatter style stage show.
- More than 3000 movie enthusiasts supported the Movies Under the Stars program at Newtown Park.
- Foodies Tours sold out with almost 200 tickets sold.
- The Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment program showcased ALL local artists and performers over four weekends.
- Sideshow Alley – was hugely popular again this year with crowds well over 20,000 in attendance.
The 2023 program will be unveiled on Thursday 27 April 2023.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2023
1 – 30 September 2023
tcof.com.au
Recent Awards and Accolades
Silver winner 2022 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Silver winner 2021 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2019 Queensland Tourism Award for Destination Marketing
State Finalist 2019 Australian Tourism Awards for Destination Marketing
Australian Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 Major Festivals & Events
Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2017 Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016 Australian Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Most Supportive Community Event 2017 Queensland Wine Awards
Event category Winner 2015 Parks & Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence
Gold winner 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards for Festivals and Events
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Media Contact
For more information contact Kath Rose & Associates on 0416 291 493 or kath@kathrose.com