Tourism numbers surge

A RECENT surge in Noosa’s international visitor spend doubles national and state growth.
A 27.6 per cent surge in international visitor expenditure in Noosa is the latest result supporting tourism growth for the destination, an increase that is almost double that of each of the Australian, Queensland and Sunshine Coast spend results, according to data released by Tourism Research Australia.
International Visitor Survey (IVS) data for the year ending March 2016 shows that Noosa’s key overseas markets are thriving, with total visitor numbers also increasing 4.3 per cent to reach 139,600, the highest result in almost 10 years.
Visitor numbers from the UK increased 12.7 per cent to reach nearly 38,000 visitors with spend up 22.6 per cent to $15.5m.
New Zealand also continued to grow with an increase of four per cent in visitor numbers to 21,000 and spend up by seven per cent, while expenditure from Germany grew 12.7 per cent.
Tourism Noosa CEO Damien Massingham said that Noosa’s strong appeal to international visitors, combined with targeted activity and improved access meant that the destination was reaping significant benefits from international markets.
“Noosa has been experiencing sustained growth in inbound tourism since 2012 and these latest results cement Noosa’s position as one of Australia’s must-see destinations for overseas visitors, who love our natural attractions, surf culture, food experiences and friendly welcome,” Mr Massingham said.
“The North American market is one to watch for Noosa, with visitor numbers, nights and spend all on the rise and, with direct flights to Brisbane Airport just launched by Air Canada, the outlook is extremely positive from this big-spending market.”
Mr Massingham said Tourism Noosa has been actively engaged in lifting the profile of Noosa with retail trade partners, international media and brand partners in the UK, Europe, New Zealand and North America as part of the Noosa Global Market Strategy, which launched in September last year.