More than 270,000 people enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of this year's National Multicultural Festival, which injected $7.8 million into the Canberra economy.
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An extra 20,000 people attended the three-day event in February, up from last year's 250,000-strong crowd, according to a spectator survey.
Extra feet on the ground generated almost $3 million more than last year's $5 million boost.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Yvette Berry said 89 per cent of revellers surveyed said they were likely to return to the festival next year, while 95 per cent would recommend the event to a friend.
Meanwhile, 96 per cent said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the event overall, the same result as a year earlier.
"Food and the diversity of culture, music and overall entertainment rated highly and was nominated by respondents as what they enjoyed most," she said.
Ms Berry said the economy, tourism sector and the city's sense of community were all strengthened by the three-day celebration.
"More people spent more time and money at the event this year which in turn resulted in a significant increase in the amount of money the festival generated," she said.
"But the benefits of our annual National Multicultural Festival run much deeper than financial. Our spectacular annual event unites our city in a celebration of culture, languages, music, dance and food.
"It showcases what it truly means to be a Canberran as proud members of our culturally diverse community."
