By JOLENE OGLE
SUNSET river views, networking, delicious canapes and music; it was the perfect way to start what is expected to be a bumper year in tourism for Noosa.
The January Tourism Noosa networking night was held at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club on Wednesday 28 January, where more than 160 tourism operators and staff met to chat about the year that was and what 2015 will bring.
Tourism Noosa CEO Damien Massingham said the region had experienced a sustained growth through the past few years with businesses this year enjoying a higher yield, higher expenditure and a longer peak tourism season than last year.
“We have been so lucky to have great weather and a great product on offer,” he said.
The boom in local tourism is no surprise, with Mr Massingham announcing $21 million was spent on international and interstate marketing in the past year, promoting Noosa to the world and the rest of Australia.
The advertising has worked a treat with over 80 per cent of all international visitor expenditure spent in Noosa, while 58 per cent of all international visitors to Australia chose Noosa as their holiday destination.
Tourism Noosa also reported a boost in membership numbers with 542 total members from the local community.
The recently launched Welcome to Noosa customer service awards have also been a success with Accom Noosa’s Sharon Collison taking out the honour for the month of December.
