Three Years of Consecutive Growth for Tourism in Mackay
In welcome news for the local economy, Tourism Research Australia has today announced a twelfth successive quarter of both domestic and international visitation.
1.1 million domestic and 48,000 international visitors experienced The Mackay Region for year ending December 2019. These figures representing three-year trend growths of 13.8 per cent for domestic visitation, and 3.7 per cent for international visitation.
Mackay Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber detailed the considerable growth of tourism, demonstrated in the National and International Visitor Surveys released today.
“The entire Mackay Region community should feel proud to know their region is increasingly becoming sought after as a tourism destination,” he said.
Mr Webber added, “more visitors are now staying longer, with spend per visitor and average length of stay seeing increases. Domestic visitors alone stayed an incredible 4.4 million nights during year ending December 2019, a new record and a three-year trend increase of 14.2 per cent.”
“This growth in nights corresponds with a 16.7 per cent increase in domestic visitor expenditure, now sitting at $519.2 million. International visitors meanwhile contributed $19.3 million into the local economy,” he explained.
Cr Justin Englert welcomed the increase in overnight visitor expenditure.
“Domestic and international visitors combined spent $538.5 million in the Mackay Region,” Cr Englert said.
“This represents a significant investment,” he said.
“Mackay Regional Council’s commitment to growing tourism is driving investment into our communities; supporting sustainability, job creation and building upon the liveability of the region.”
“With several major events, conferences and projects due for completion over the next 12 months, I am confident that 2020 will see tourism continue to grow as a key economic pillar for the Mackay Region’s economy.”
Today’s increases in visitation came as no surprise to Cath uit den Bogaard, Owner of Comfort Resort Blue Pacific at Mackay’s Northern Beaches.
“Each holiday season gets busier and busier, and talking to our guests, it’s clear that Mackay is increasingly being recognised as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international visitors,” she said.
Mrs Bogaard continued, “each visitor to The Mackay Region is amazed at the spectacular rainforests, beaches and iconic wildlife experiences. With so many destinations and experiences to discover, visitors are often staying extra nights, just to take in our beautiful region.”
Full results of the NVS and IVS are available from Tourism Research Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.
ENDS
Contact:
Daniel Brown - Communications Officer
0448 994 180
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published: 17 January 2020