By DAMIEN MASSINGHAM
IT seems that Noosa is continuing to make its name across not only the country but also the globe, with Domestic and International Visitor Survey results for the year ending December 2013 showing some fantastic figures.
The domestic market for Noosa is as strong as ever, with total spending from domestic overnight visitors increasing slightly to almost $580 million, with increases in all major markets. While the number of nights spent in Noosa by domestic visitors overall fell, Noosa’s major markets of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne performed well, with Sydney showing an increase of 25.8 per cent in the number of nights stayed.
Furthermore, the number of overnight visitors from Sydney and Brisbane increased, with Sydney up almost 10 per cent. Brisbane numbers picked up again (+1.1 per cent) while the number of day-trippers fell, indicating that some domestic visitors are starting to stay overnight again in beautiful Noosa.
The international scene is also gaining momentum, with great results from Noosa’s key long haul markets. Showing strong signs of recovery as the Australian dollar softens, inbound tourism is trending up, with the overall number of nights increasing almost two per cent on the previous year and growth in the number of visitors from USA (+9 per cent), UK (+15 per cent) and Germany (+0.4 per cent).
After falling for the past few years, the number of visitors from New Zealand was steady, and nights in the region were up by six per cent, with an average length of stay of 7.1 nights. They have also increased their spending by almost three per cent.
The dollar contribution of international visitors is also significant totalling $156m with UK (up 13 per cent to $59m) and USA (up 28 per cent to $30m) spending the most.
As the Tourism Noosa team continues to welcome our domestic and international visitors, it is a great time to reflect upon the positive economic impact tourism has on the whole community. Those who are holidaying in our region bring with them a huge flow-on effect across the area, spending largely at local businesses such as accommodation, transportation, restaurants, activities and tours.
So next time you come across Noosa holiday makers, don’t forget a smile and a big ’welcome to Noosa’.
