Promising Signs for Tourism

National Visitor Survey (NVS) data released today has shown that even though the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mackay Region has remained a popular destination.

During the 2019/2020 financial year, the Mackay Region welcomed one million domestic visitors who injected $438.6 million into the local economy. Despite the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 and the resulting travel restrictions, Mackay recorded three-year trend increases of 6.1 per cent for visitation and 4.9 per cent for visitor expenditure.

Driving tourism’s growth throughout The Mackay Region has been corporate travel. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said today’s results demonstrated the strength and resilience of the region’s economy.

“The diversity of Mackay’s economy has been its greatest asset in overcoming the economic challenges of COVID-19,” said Mayor Williamson.

“A robust resource industry facilitated ongoing corporate travel, even during the height of COVID-19 restrictions. About 634,000 visitors travelled to Mackay for business in 2019/20, representing a three-year trend increase of 12.8 per cent.”

“With travel restrictions now easing, the objective is to convert this sizeable business travel market into repeat leisure visitors.”

Mackay Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber said it was pleasuring that the region managed to maintain visitation during the pandemic.

“Whilst COVID-19 saw many economies grind to a halt, most industries within the Mackay Region continued to move forward and employ staff,” said Mr Webber.

“COVID-19 has unquestionably been the most difficult challenge for tourism to overcome. Mackay’s tourism industry, and indeed the region’s economy, is very fortunate to continue to grow during this pandemic.”

“As we recover from COVID-19, Mackay is well positioned to attract more visitors, generate greater investment, create local jobs and support livability for our community.”

ENDS

 

Contact: 

Daniel Brown - Communications Officer

0448 994 180

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Friday, 2 October 2020

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