International tourists to Central Queensland up 14 per cent

More than 117,100 international visitors came to Central Queensland in the year to September 2007 - a 14 per cent increase, the latest International Visitor Survey results show.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said: “Leisure was the main reason international visitors came to Central Queensland and international holidaymakers increased by 16 per cent to 108,900.

“The average length of stay for leisure visitors to Central Queensland region also increased to 4.6 nights, up from 4.0 nights.”

Ms Boyle said total international visitor nights increased by 3 per cent to 627,200.

“The United Kingdom is the region’s largest market increasing by 5 per cent over the past year to an estimated 26,400 people,” she said.

“There was also a large increase in the number of visitors from New Zealand, making it now the second largest international source market for the Central Queensland region.”

Central Queensland International Visitor Snapshot, year ended September 2007:

• 117,100 international visitors – up 14%
• 627,200 international visitor nights – up 3%
• 93% of all international visitors to Central Queensland are leisure visitors
• International holiday sector up by 17%
• United Kingdom is the largest international market - 26,400 visitors
• New Zealand is now the second largest international market - 15,500 visitors

Ends

Media contacts:
Minister Boyle: 3224 2004
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010

7 December 2007