Record numbers of tourists visiting the Whitsundays last year have set the region on an exciting trajectory for 2023 following the release of a report that stated domestic visitor numbers went up by 179 per cent compared to 2019 data.
The National Visitor Survey (NVS) revealed a record 923,000 domestic visitors came to the region, spending $1.5billion dollars in The Whitsundays.
It was also noted that visitors were staying longer and spending more with a total of 4.9 million nights in the year to 30 September 2022, an increase of 73% based on 2019 figures.
This comes as good news for a region where one in three jobs are reliant on tourism and bodes well for a strong and stable 2023.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said these results cement what everyone in The Whitsundays already knows, The Whitsundays is the best place to holiday.
“Select domestic markets have always known about the attraction of The Whitsundays, but the growth we are seeing in domestic visitation shows that more of Australia is now familiar and confident about this unique holiday experience,” he said.
“These results once again underline the significant contribution tourism makes here. We have world-class operators, accommodation options and businesses all working to deliver outstanding holidays to vacationers in The Whitsundays, whatever their budget.
While there has been a record increase in interstate travellers, 274,000 up 18.9 per cent on 2019, it is Queenslanders who are making up 69 per cent of visitors.
“It is encouraging to see more of Australia discovering and experiencing The Whitsundays because we can compete with anywhere in the world for the range of experiences, unique attractions and location,” Mr Hamilton said.
“However, Queenslanders are taking advantage of The Whitsundays, which is right on their doorstep.”
Tourism Whitsundays Chair, Julie Telford understands why The Whitsundays is getting record visitation from inter and intra state travellers.
“Queensland is such a diverse State and travelling within its border can take you through the rainforest, outback, surf beaches and the wonderful Whitsundays by car, bus, train, plane and boat. It’s no wonder we’ve seen so many Queenslanders rediscover their love of The Whitsundays,” she said.
“Visitors are staying an average of 5.2 nights this year, increasing almost a day compared to results from March 2022 because there’s so much to do and enjoy in The Whitsundays that every minute of that time can be booked onto a different experience.”
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