International tourists are flocking to the Sunshine Coast in ever greater numbers in an important boost for the region. Visitor numbers increased 8% in the year to September over the 2016 figure.
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace said figures from today’s International Visitor Survey showed 294,000 international travellers experienced the best the Sunshine Coast has to offer, spending $236 million in the year to September 2017.
“Thousands more tourists are visiting the Coast and staying longer – which contributes to our job creation and boosts the local economy,” he said.
Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien said “I’m pleased to see the Coast’s world class tourism attractions continue to be popular with ever more overseas travellers. It shows marketing of the Sunshine Coast has breakthrough with international visitors, which is great for local tourism operators.”
Tourism Research Australia’s survey shows international visitors grew by 20% per cent and spending increased by 12% per cent from the previous three years.
More than 90% of tourists come to the Sunshine Coast via the Bruce Highway. The Turnbull Government has committed $1.6 billion in funding for upgrades to the Highway in the past 18 months. The Commonwealth Government has also designated Sunshine Coast Airport as an international airport and extended a $181 million concessional loan to support its development.
“Tourism is one of Australia’s main industries and is responsible for a large portion of the country’s economic growth, that’s why the Turnbull Coalition Government continues to invest in growing this key sector,” Mr O’Brien said.
The IVS also revealed spending by Chinese tourists has reached a new record in Australia – exceeding $10 billion for the first time.
“This record spending occurred during the China-Australia Year of Tourism, initiated by the Turnbull Coalition Government as we work to maximise the potential of China – Australia’s fastest growing and most valuable inbound tourism market – to create new Australian jobs.” Mr Wallace said.
The International Visitor Survey is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: www.tra.gov.au