North Coast Visitor Numbers Increase

Visitor numbers to North Coast NSW have increased by 7.2 per cent in the year ended June 2013 – one of the best results for the region in the past five years.

“That represents a total of five million overnight visitors spending nearly 19.8 million nights in the region – an increase of 4.9 per cent on the previous year,” North Coast Destination Network Executive Officer, Ms Belinda Novicky said.

“Regional NSW (44.1%) was the largest source of visitors to the region, followed by Sydney (26.0%) and Queensland (23.2%).

“Compared to YE Jun 12, the regional NSW source market grew by 10.8% and Sydney increased by 4.7%. Over the same period, Victoria declined by 21.8% while Queensland increased by 14.4%,” said Ms Novicky.

“Regional NSW (39.4%) was the largest source market in terms of nights in the region, followed by Sydney (28.4%) and Queensland (22.0%). Compared to YE Jun 12, nights spent by visitors from regional NSW grew by 7.0% and nights from Sydney increased by 16.2%.”

“The North Coast Destination Network, this region’s tourism organisation, attributes this success to a number of key factors,” she said.

“Firstly, the NCDN network is an industry led organisation and the combined resources of that industry led board are an important component in its success.

“The key marketing focus throughout the past three years was to establish and grow The Legendary Pacific Coast (TLPC) Touring Route http://pacificcoast.com.au/

Additionally, we have extended TLPC’s reach with the appointment of an International marketing specialist. There has been a great amount of time and strategic effort dedicated both domestically and internationally and the rise in visitor numbers reflects those efforts.

“This co-operative approach to marketing the region, stretching from the Great Lakes to The Tweed would not have been possible without the support and participation of all Local Government Tourism bodies and the many talents they bring to the table.” Ms Novicky said.