Record breaking tourism numbers for Mackay

A record number of overnight domestic visitors in The Mackay Region is giving the local tourism industry a reason to smile.

The latest Tourism Research Australia data released today, has revealed a 7% growth, with 878,000 domestic overnight visitors in The Mackay Region for the year ending March 2017.  

The total domestic overnight expenditure also increased by 25%, to $382.9million.

The key source markets driving this growth has been Visiting Family & Relatives (VFR), Business and Holiday markets.

Another positive sign has been the amount of nights spent in the region, an increase of nearly 20%, at 3.2million.

Owner of Comfort Resort Blue Pacific at Blacks Beach, Nick uit den Bogaard, said the growth has been slowly starting to tickle back into his business in the northern beaches.

“We’re starting to see some forward bookings for the next four or five months, which is a really positive sign and something we haven’t seen for many years,” Mr uit den Bogaard said.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the positive statistics were a welcome sign in building business confidence and creating a connected community.

“The tourism industry is extremely important for growth and development in Mackay and supports many local businesses,” Cr Williamson said.

“Bringing large-scale business and leisure events to Mackay, like the Elton John concert in September, puts us on the map and encourages more people to experience this region.”

General Manager of Mackay Tourism, Tas Webber, said the statistics were a positive sign that business sentiment was strong and people were more likely to consider the region as a holiday destination.

“Confidence is growing in The Mackay Region and these statistics are a strong indicator that more and more people are seeing Mackay as an attractive place for a holiday, for work, or to see friends and relatives.”

Contact: 

Melissa Woods - Communications Officer

0448 994 180

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Published: 21 June, 2017