Evanescent, one of 13 new light installations at the TSB Festival of Lights. Photo: Charlotte Curd / Supplied
A record number of visitors helped the Festival of Lights pump more than $8 million into the Taranaki economy this summer, according to a just released report.
Business and Economic Research (Berl) said 140,000 people visited the event in Pukekura Park, 28 percent of them coming from outside of the region
The New Plymouth District Council, which puts on the award-winning free festival, commissioned the report.
Mayor Neil Holdom said the TSB Festival of Lights - which cost $1 million to put on - had a fantastic return on investment.
"It's always amazing, and this summer it was exceptional with a lot of new light installations and great free entertainment in the stunning Pukekura Park, attracting both locals and out of town visitors.
"It's one of those events on everyone's must-do list and attracts people to our region in droves, which is great for the local economy, keeping the tills ringing and contributes to creating our 'sustainable lifestyle capital' during really tough financial times.
"A big thank you to our team for making it a highlight of summer."
This summer's event featured 13 new light installations, 96 performances and two regional pop-up events in Inglewood and Waitara.
Up to 9000 people attended New Year's celebrations at the festival.
Other key findings:
- 38,599 or 28 percent of total visits were from outside the region
- 38,786 visitor nights were attributed to the festival
- 70 percent of visitors visited the region to attend the festival
- 92 percent overall satisfaction rate
- 100 percent satisfaction from event performers and entertainers
- 70 percent of waste diverted from landfill