By Derek Schlennstedt
Victoria has cemented its place as Australia’s best tourist destination, with new data showing that 2018 was the tourism industry’s biggest year on record.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges experienced positive numbers, welcoming 47,300 overnight visitors in 2018.
Yarra Ranges Tourism CEO Simon O’Callaghan said the statistics showed that Yarra Ranges was continuing to punch above its weight.
“The Yarra Ranges ticks all the boxes when it comes to attracting domestic, interstate and international visitors,” he said.
“I think a good example of something that we’ve seen most recently is the RONE EMPIRE exhibition, at Burnham beeches which has attracted over 22,000 visitors in two months.
“These statistics show that we’re continuing to punch about our weight, and as an industry we need to celebrate the success of good results but also look to the next point of differentiation that’s going to continue to make our region a must see destination.”
Visitors to Victoria spent an unprecedented $8.5 billion in 2018, up 12.9 per cent on the previous year, driving economic growth and creating thousands of jobs.
Data from Tourism Research Australia shows Victoria welcomed 3 million international visitors who stayed a combined 72.9 million nights in Victoria.
Victoria’s tourism industry is growing at almost three times the national average and far surpassing Queensland at 3.7 per cent, and New South Wales at 2.4 per cent.
The increase in tourism spending was largely driven by visitors from across Asia, with expenditure by visitors from India, China, Indonesia and Taiwan showing strong growth.
Member for Monbulk James Merlino also welcomed the rise, saying it showed the strength of the region’s tourism offerings.
“Victoria is a truly world class destination for international visitors and this strong growth shows what popular destinations the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are for travellers from across the globe.”
“This region has it all – stunning natural attractions, plenty of gourmet food and wine options – all right on Melbourne’s doorstep.
“With so much to offer every visitor, it’s little wonder the figures released show how strong tourism is in Victoria.”
