Data from the National Visitor Survey shows tourism expenditure is booming across Central Queensland.
In the year ending March 2023, Rockhampton had more than 582 thousand visitors, who spent 416 million dollars.
Gladstone was close behind with 568 thousand visitors, in the same time period, producing a 385 million dollar boost to the economy.
Meanwhile the the Central Highlands recorded 444 thousand visitors, spending 231 million dollars all up and 158 dollars per night.
Livingstone received a 267 million dollar boost from 307 thousand visitors to the region.
Rockhampton council and tourism operators are celebrating the numbers.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams says Council was now focused on outdoing these results and are well underway accomplishing goals set out in the five-year Rockhampton Region Economic Action Plan.
“Tourism contributes more than $32 billion a year to the Australian economy, and we know the value and benefit that tourism, visitation and events bring to our economy.
“It supports local business operators, drives hospitality and the accommodation sector and creates jobs for local people.
“That’s why we are investing in visitation and events in our Budget because we recognise the added benefits it brings across the economy and our community.
“This is about attracting even more people to the region whether that’s for work, sporting events or a family holiday whilst ensuring local businesses and workers reap those rewards.
“Our tourism and events calendar has gone from strength to strength over the last five years and I’m confident with this investment and the great offerings we have here in the region, we won’t just meet our existing visitation numbers, but surpass them.”
Acting Executive Manager of Advance Rockhampton, Zac Garven says Advance Rockhampton would focus on attracting new events to the region, developing new tourism campaigns and working with local businesses in the accommodation, tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We’ve seen some really great outcomes over the past year, and we’re keen to build on those and make the next 12 months bigger and better,” he says.
“One of our main focuses will be expanding our suite of tourism campaigns and targeting new opportunities in Sydney, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.
“We know there’s a real market for regional tourism with people looking for authentic experiences they just can’t get in metropolitan areas.
“That’s where we excel – whether it’s Nurim Circuit at sunrise, a stroll along our beautiful Fitzroy River in the evening, exploring the Rockhampton Museum of art, Rockhampton Zoo, Heritage Village, fishing or mountain biking, or just getting out and about across our region – Rockhampton delivers in spades.”
