Mackay Growing as an International Tourism Destination
The Mackay Region has continued its staggering growth as a destination for international visitors, following the release of the latest International Visitor Survey (IVS).
Measuring international visitation for year ending December 2018, the IVS recorded strong levels of growth regarding both visitation and spend. These increases mean The Mackay Region has now recorded nine successive quarters of international visitor growth.
56,000 international visitors journeyed to The Mackay Region in 2018, a remarkable increase of 13.1 per cent from 2017. Driving this increase were holiday makers, with 43,000 international visitors, an increase of 15.8 per cent from 2017, choosing The Mackay Region as a holiday destination.
Of significant benefit to local businesses, and the Mackay community, international visitor spend also rose significantly. $18.9 million was spent by international visitors into The Mackay Region economy in 2018, an increase of 36.2 per cent from the previous 12 months.
Today’s strong IVS results have come as no surprise to Oskar Krobath, Owner of Platypus Lodge Restaurant, located within Eungella National Park, a popular destination for international visitors.
“The Mackay Region has so much to offer international visitors, and the more marketing of our hero experiences like the platypus here at Broken River, the more our region will continue to establish itself as a must visit destination,” he said.
“International visitors represent a major source of revenue for tourism businesses and generates significant numbers of jobs and investment across the region.”
Mr Krobath continued, “Eungella National Park appeals to international visitors, particularly those from Western Europe, as it offers a unique, natural experience, where set within a pristine rainforest, you’ll find the world’s healthiest population of wild platypus. It is this nature reserved experience that resonates so well with international visitors and leads to the strong growth figures achieved today.”
General Manager of Mackay Tourism Tas Webber, also welcomed today’s strong results.
“Tourism operators, and the wider Mackay Region community, should feel proud that our region has become a desired destination for visitors from across the world,” he said.
“Substantial increases in holiday visitation demonstrates how tourism has become a key pillar to Mackay’s economy, bringing with it wide ranging and sustainable benefits to the community,” said Mr Webber.
He continued, “with a thorough record now of strong demand from visitors, the time has come for more investment from the private sector. Our region would benefit greatly from more tour operators, which combined with continued marketing of our abundant natural assets, will see The Mackay Region flourish as an international tourism destination.”
Contact:
Daniel Brown - Communications Officer
0448 994 180
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Published: 30 March 2019