Attendance figures for Floriade this year fell just short of a record with more than 480,000 people visiting the event across its 29 days and five nights.
The figure was an increase of more than 45,000 over last year’s event.
Announcing the attendance details, Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said they were a testament to the efforts made to attract more people to Floriade through a range of different programming events that targeted new audiences.
“Initiatives in 2018 included a revitalised food and beverage offering with local produce and beverages from Pialligo Estate, Capital Brewing Co, Contentious Character and Underground Spirits,” Mr Barr said.
“Other changes included different themed nights at NightFest, a change in Floriade opening hours (9:30am to 5:30pm) and a revitalised market shopping experience with traders spread around a new area, allowing more free flow of people between marquees.”
He said Floriade 2018 fell just 1,314 people short of the event’s attendance record set in 2014.
However, this year drew a record October long weekend crowd, with 94,586 people visiting the festival across the three days.
“Significantly, Floriade 2018 drew 40 per cent of its attendance from the key target markets of regional NSW and Sydney, indicating its status as a signature event on Canberra’s tourism calendar,” Mr Barr said.
He said preliminary research indicated that three quarters of attendees said this year’s Floriade met or exceeded expectations.
