Mega events

Overview

Queensland is continuing to build its reputation as Australia’s premier mega events destination in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Department of Tourism and Sport (DTS) prepares bids to attract mega events to Queensland and coordinates whole-of-Government support for these events.

Mega events play a crucial role in raising Queensland’s profile globally as a visitor destination, attracting visitors and increasing overnight visitor expenditure (OVE), consistent with Towards Tourism 2032.

To ensure benefits from the state’s investment in mega events are maximised, we leverage across industry, community and other departments and agencies, while supporting each event’s operational delivery.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the pinnacle of all global events, serving as a catalyst for the development of a pipeline of exciting events in Queensland set to include the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.

Queensland played a key hosting role during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with eight games staged at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium attracting 355,115 spectators. Queensland welcomed more than 52,000 visitors with $100m in direct and indirect spending generated in the state.

The trajectory of women’s football continues with Queensland to play a hosting role in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Our partner, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), is responsible for attracting, supporting, growing, and promoting successful regional and major events in Queensland to grow the visitor economy. We support TEQ by seeking and administering government funding for major event opportunities that align with Queensland Government objectives and contribute to the development of policies that support the staging of major events in Queensland.

Our role in relation to mega events includes:

• Assessing hosting opportunities and leading bids for mega events on behalf of the Queensland Government;
• Identifying resourcing requirements and quantifying costs associated with supporting mega events;
• Managing the hosting, funding and sponsorship agreements for mega events and event-related projects;
• Coordinating Queensland Government support for mega events;
• Administering funding to government agencies (such as TEQ) to support the staging of mega events in Queensland;
• Helping to identify strategic event opportunities for Queensland through whole-of-Government engagement;
• Working with government stakeholders to secure and successfully stage mega events in Queensland;
• Partnering with Organising Committees and peak bodies to ensure an integrated approach to the delivery of mega events in Queensland.

Visit the Queensland Events calendar for a range of dynamic and growing sport, arts, entertainment and cultural events throughout Queensland.