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Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today announced more than $1 million in extra funding to grow 44 events and create more tourism jobs through the latest round of the Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP).

Ms Jones said funding would go towards event marketing to attract more interstate and international tourists to Queensland.

“We’ve more than doubled the value of our events calendar over the last five years because we invest in events to grow our tourism industry and create jobs,” Ms Jones said.

“In 2020, our events calendar will be worth $880 million and support thousands of jobs – making Queensland a world-leading events host.

“Funding announced today is for marketing to grow events that have a clear strategy to grow and support more local jobs in the future.”

Ms Jones said today marked the launch of the 14th Round of QDEP funding, which has seen a total of 345 events receive $11.5 million since 2015.

“Of the 43 events funded throughout Queensland, 10 of those are being supported for the first time, demonstrating continued growth of Queensland’s events calendar,” Ms Jones said.

“That we’ve funded events across every tourism destination in the state is also proof of the diverse range of experiences Queensland has to offer.

“Everything from the Brisbane Marathon, to the Mary Poppins Festival in Maryborough and the Gemfest ‘Festival of Gems’ west of Emerald – there’s something for everyone in Queensland.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said capturing the essence of the host destination was key to continuing to grow the value of the It’s Live! in Queensland calendar.

“The great thing about destination events is the opportunity for visitors to really experience what is unique about the host town or city,” Ms Coddington said.

“An event like Jumpers and Jazz in July showcases the wonderful community of Warwick and the Noosa Classic is one of Australia’s most scenic cycling events.

“Events drive visitors and inspire people to return again to enjoy more of what the destination has to offer.”

Round 14 of the QDEP has awarded $1,114,000 to 43 events being staged between May 2020 and May 2021.

Events to receive QDEP Round 14 funding include:

Applications for Round 15 are currently open, closing 5 February 2020 for events being held between September 2020 and September 2021.