CubaDupa Festival delivers a $1.17 million economic boost to central Wellington.
01 May 2025
CubaDupa was a resounding success for Wellington’s economy, particularly for the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
Dot Loves Data used ANZ transactions data to analyse spending on Saturday in the Wellington CBD and saw a significant uplift from Wellingtonians and tourists across the city precincts, with all sectors benefiting.
Where was the spend?
1. CubaDupa provides a Significant Economic Boost to Wellington CBD
CubaDupa generated $4.74 million in spending from midday Saturday to 4 AM Sunday.
An extra $1.17 million was spent in total in the Wellington CBD compared to normal periods.
Overall, there was a 33% increase in spending, highlighting a direct, significant financial uplift for businesses across all sectors.
There were a total of 18,412 visitors spending in the Wellington CBD during the measured time period, which was an increase of 5262 people on an average weekend (average is approximately 13,150 visitors).
Uplift in Spend by Category across Wellington CBD
2. Impact on Hospitality and Restaurants
Total spend at Restaurants on Saturday between 12pm - 4am was $932,089, an uplift of $309,231 or 50%.
Total spend at bars and nightclubs on Saturday between 12pm - 4am was $723,378, an uplift of $364,071 or 101%.
Total spend at fast food restaurants on Saturday between 12pm - 4am was $348,297, an uplift of $155,788 or 81%.
Total spend at Women’s Ready to Wear stores on Saturday between 12pm - 4am was $128,389, an uplift of $56,892 or 80%.
Spending in the Cuba Precinct itself increased by 120%, showing that restaurants, bars, and cafés in the core event area saw a massive surge in business.
Hospitality businesses benefited not just during the event but also after CubaDupa ended, with continued spending momentum moving to the Courtenay Precinct.
3. Local Engagement Driving Growth
Locals were the biggest contributors to the economic boost, spending an extra $835K, which is a 37% uplift in their usual expenditure.
Total local spending reached $3.11 million, showing strong community support for CubaDupa.
This suggests that the event strengthens the local economy by encouraging residents to dine out and enjoy entertainment.
Analysis of Spending by Locals for the 12pm - 11pm Time Period
Analysis of Spending by Locals for the 11pm - 4am Time Period
4. Increased Visitor Spending
Visitors to Wellington also played a role, spending an extra $338K, a 26% uplift compared to a regular weekend.
Total visitor spending reached $1.63 million, which likely benefited accommodation providers, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
Analysis of Spending by Visitors for the 12pm - 11pm Time Period
Analysis of Spending by Visitors for the 11pm - 4am Time Period
In Conclusion
CubaDupa was a major success for Wellington, with businesses across the city seeing big jumps in spending. It brought a lot of people to the city, both locals and visitors, and gave a much-needed boost to the local economy, especially in hospitality and retail. Not only did the event make a big impact during the festival, but it also helped keep things lively in the days that followed. It’s clear that CubaDupa is an event that’s not just fun for attendees but also great for Wellington’s economy.
