Community leaders pushing sport to bolster city tourism
LOCAL sports could play a huge role in bolstering tourism and becoming a formative part of the business sphere in Toowoomba.
Chamber of Commerce has spotlighted sport as an impetus for tourism and business in their themed edition of The Business Journal.
Chamber CEO Todd Rohl said the reciprocal links between business and sport offered huge potential to grow the Darling Downs into an even larger tourism hotspot. “Together, business and sport build happier, healthier and more connected community across every sector,” he said.
“We know many businesses play, attend or sponsor a variety of local sport, supporting the Toowoomba community.”
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said council had “bold ambitions” to continue adding major sports events to the annual calendar.
“Council is positive we can continue to stage major sports events with the enthusiastic backing and support of our business, sporting and community organisations,” he said.
“The 2019 Queensland PGA Championships, the 10th at Toowoomba’s City Golf Club, contributed $652,000 to the Toowoomba Region’s economy, with a total of 2,586 visitor nights in the immediate Toowoomba area.
Each edition of The Business Journal is sponsored by a business, and this edition was sponsored by Optus. According to Optus Territory General Manager Nick Channell, the business was committed to growing sports from the grassroots.
“Optus sponsors the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia, the award-winning Optus Stadium and Adelaide Crows,” he said.
“It also supports a variety of grassroots sporting programs across the country including the WA Football League (WAFL).
“For spectators and sponsors, the Optus Sport platform is the home of premium football content in Australia including exclusively live coverage of every Premier League match and the UEFA Champions League.
“All Optus customers get added value from OS Fitness for home workouts including yoga, dance, cardio and core strength by leading fitness providers.”
The Business Journal is available on the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce website.