The iconic Eumundi Market has been confirmed as one of South East Queensland’s most significant tourism and economic drivers, generating an estimated $54 million in annual visitor expenditure and supporting more than 1,000 jobs, according to a new independent report.
Commissioned by Experience Eumundi and prepared by Urban Economics, the economic impact study found the world-famous market attracts around 1.2 million visitors each year, placing it alongside Queensland’s best-known visitor attractions.
Despite operating twice a week every week of the year, the market rivals the annual visitation of some of the state’s largest purpose-built tourism assets.
Experience Eumundi general manager Mark Cameron said the findings provided long-awaited, data-driven confirmation of what locals have long known.
“Eumundi Markets are not just a much-loved national icon – they are a tourism asset of state-level significance,” Mr Cameron said.
The report shows the markets generate more than two per cent of all non-accommodation tourist spending on the Sunshine Coast, while supporting approximately 1,000 direct jobs across 600 stalls, with total direct and indirect employment exceeding 1,300 positions.
The economic benefits extend well beyond the market grounds, with an estimated 30,000 room nights generated annually, contributing about $9.3 million in accommodation spend across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. Around $7.5 million is also returned each year to local community organisations, with roughly eight cents of every dollar spent reinvested back into the community.
Queensland Industry Tourism Council chief executive Natassia Wheeler said attractions like Eumundi Markets played a crucial role in strengthening regional tourism resilience.
“Strong hinterland experiences encourage longer stays, disperse visitors and spread economic benefits across a destination,” she said.
The report also highlights the markets’ role as a major business incubator, offering low-barrier entry for local producers, artisans and food businesses to test and grow their enterprises.
Mr Cameron said the findings raised important planning considerations, noting a disconnect between the scale at which the markets operate and how they are recognised in current planning frameworks.
“Formal recognition of their role is critical to protecting the markets, local amenity and the experience that draws people here,” he said.
The report provides a strong evidence base for future discussions around infrastructure, investment and long-term planning to ensure Eumundi continues to thrive.
