More to Mackay than meets the eye for international tourists

Mackay’s popularity with international visitors surged in the year to September 2007, the latest International Visitor Survey results show.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the figures released today showed international visitors to the Mackay region grew by 24 per cent to 52,700 and international visitor nights increased a whopping 40 per cent to 280,300.

“The number of visitor nights spent in Mackay by international holidaymakers and people visiting friends and relatives have both increased strongly,” Ms Boyle said.

“The average length of stay for international visitors to the Mackay region increased to 5.3 nights – up 0.6 nights.”

Ms Boyle said international leisure visitors accounted for 90 per cent of all international visitors to Mackay and the number of international holidaymakers increased by 30 per cent to 48,700 in the year ended September 2007.

“And they were holidaying longer with the average length of stay increasing to 4.4 nights – up from 4 nights,” she said.

“Offering reef access, fabulous beaches and a clean and green hinterland, it’s little wonder international tourists are discovering it.

“The United Kingdom continued to be Mackay’s largest international source market with an estimated 11,800 people visiting the region in the year to September 2007.

“New Zealand is now the second largest international source market for Mackay.”

Mackay International Visitor Snapshot (Year ended September 2007):

• Total visitor numbers: 52,700, up 24%
• Total visitor nights: 280,300, up 40%
• Average length of stay: 5.3 nights, up by 0.6 nights
• Holidaymakers accounted for 80% of all international visitors
• Mackay enjoyed a 33% increase in the international holiday sector
• Largest source market: the United Kingdom, an estimated 11,800 visitors
• Second largest source market: New Zealand, an estimated 10,400 visitors

Ends

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

7 December 2007