Conducted by Tourism Research Australia, the National Visitor Survey for the period ending June 2016 shows visitation to the Fraser Coast increasing 14.7% to 641,000 compared to the Queensland total of 5.7%.
A major driver of the growth was the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) sector which grew 32.6% to 252,000.
People visiting the Fraser Coast for holiday purposes grew 8.7% to 301,000.
Visitor nights were steady, climbing 0.9%, however this does reflect a drop in average length of stay to an average of 3.9 nights per visitor. Expenditure was down 11.9% to $272 million or $425 per visitor.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor with the Tourism portfolio, Stuart Taylor, said the results were encouraging for the region.
“Adding to our recent international visitor figures which showed positive growth in key international markets, these domestic results further reinforce that awareness of our region is high and visitors are enjoying coming here,’ Cr Taylor said.
Fraser Coast Tourism and Events Chairman, Greig Bolderrow, commented that the results were fantastic news with tourism and events being everyone’s business on the Fraser Coast.
“In Queensland 9.4% of the workforce are directly or indirectly employed by Tourism and this is a crucial industry for the Fraser Coast.
“When the total number of visitors is up the dispersal of dollars is higher.
“In recent months our region’s events including the Mary Poppins Festival and Hervey Bay Ocean Festival, as well as our world famous whale product have been drawing in the crowds and we look forward to these strong numbers continuing,” Mr Bolderrow said.
Acting General Manager for Fraser Coast Tourism and Events Ltd Bradley Nardi, said the results were encouraging for the region.
“There continues to be work to be done and gains to be made on length of stay and expenditure, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to develop itineraries and campaigns that encourage visitors to stay in the region longer and experience all that we have to offer,’’ he said.
visitfrasercoast.com for holiday inspiration and all there is to see and do.
frasercoastevents.com for upcoming festivals, markets and more.
“There continues to be work to be done and gains to be made on length of stay and expenditure, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to develop itineraries and campaigns that encourage visitors to stay in the region longer and experience all that we have to offer,’’ he said.
visitfrasercoast.com for holiday inspiration and all there is to see and do.
frasercoastevents.com for upcoming festivals, markets and more.
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