International visitation booming in The Mackay Region

The Mackay Region has recorded its third quarter of growth for international visitation, with both visitor numbers and holiday nights spent in region on the rise.

Germany remains the biggest international market for The Mackay Region, with a 20% increase year on year, followed by New Zealand, UK, USA and France.

Total international visitor numbers for Mackay was 45,000, a 7.4% increase. The main reason was for holiday visitation (rather than Business or Visiting Friends and Relatives travel). This type of travel increased by 22.7%.

Holiday nights also increased with the average length being five nights in region and the total number of nights for the year being 173,000, a massive 47.2% increase.

General Manager of Mackay Tourism, Tas Webber, said The Mackay Region was making a name for itself as a true ‘nature-based’ destination and was resonating with international tourists.  

“As we’ve discovered, international visitors love nature-based, off-the-beaten-track experiences, with wildlife and bushwalking – and that’s exactly what we offer here in The Mackay Region,” Mr Webber said.

“Seeing the kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough is now a bucket-list experience, and the tourism industry has done a fantastic job in promoting the entire area to increase length of stay.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson, said the increase in international visitors was a fantastic sign for the Mackay economy, and had a great flow-on effect through the whole community.

“Tourism provides a great injection for the local economy.  As a community, our job is to provide a friendly and hospitable welcome to visitors, to ensure they want to return soon.”

 

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