Tourism Research Australia’s Annual National Visitor Survey was released on 20 September and shows a steady increase of national and international tourists to the Sunshine Coast in 2016/17.
The Sunshine Coast welcomed 3.72 million national and international visitors in 2016/17, a 5% increase on prior year in national visitors and a 12% increase in international visitors. The increase over three years was a pleasing 14% and 28% respectively.
The average visitor nights also grew, with a 4% increase to 4 nights for national visitors and an 8% increase to 10 nights for international visitors. These results are a 13% and 12% increase over three years respectively.
Total visitor spend dropped slightly by -2% for national visitors, but was made up by international visitors with a 2% increase over the 12 months to June 2017. The three year average spend shows a positive combined 15% increase.
The majority of visitors travel to Queensland on holiday, followed by those visiting family or friends and then business.
Tourism is a major industry and employer on the Sunshine Coast. It is essential that we continue to invest in our infrastructure and support businesses establish and grow in our region. This is a major focus for me in 2017/18, supported by my #TeamSunshineCoast colleagues, Andrew Wallace MP and Llew O’Brien MP.
For a look back on the 2016/17 achievements to date, see my inaugural Annual Report – here.