Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said more international visitors are exploring the North Coast and spending more at local businesses.
He said today’s International Visitor Survey data release reveals almost 354,000 overseas visitors are flocking to tourism attractions in our community in droves, spending $236 million in the year to March 2018.
“More tourists are exploring our region’s attractions and spending big at local businesses – boosting our economy and helping to create more tourism jobs,” Mr Hogan said.
The IVS reveals spending by international tourists has also grown by six per cent to a record $42.3 billion. Combined with the $65.1 billion spent by domestic tourists, revealed in last month’s National Visitor Survey (NVS), total overnight visitor spending reached a record $107.4 billion for the year to March 2018.
The IVS also shows international visitor numbers grew by 7% and their spending increased by 19%, compared to the previous year.
“The Federal Government continues to deliver record funding to Tourism Australia to drive the tourism boom the country is enjoying. More tourists means more spending in our local businesses, which helps support and create jobs,” Mr Hogan said.
“The IVS shows Chinese visitors remain the biggest spenders, with spending increasing 13 per cent, or $1.3 billion, during the past year to a record $10.9 billion. This new record accounted for 52 per cent of the total growth in spending by international tourists.”
“The Federal Government has already started to develop the next national tourism strategy to ensure the tourism industry keeps growing and creating jobs. With almost one million Australians employed in the tourism industry, attracting more tourists to Australia is part of our plan for a stronger economy.”
The IVS is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: www.tra.gov.au
