Published Wednesday, 10 September, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Minister Boyle releases latest international visitor figures today
The latest international visitor figures have revealed a 2.8 percent decline in Queensland’s visitor numbers.
There is good news for the future however with strong growth from the emerging markets of China, India and Malaysia, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said today.
“There’s no doubt that Queensland’s tourism industry is in the middle of a very difficult period with a slowing global economy, a strong AUD, record fuel prices and competition from other destinations all affecting international travel to our state,” she said.
“While overall visitor numbers are down, including our leading Japanese and UK markets, which declined 16 and 11 percent respectively to 312,000 and 256,000 visitors, these results are not unexpected.
“Queensland’s fourth largest market, the United States, has declined six percent to 167,000 visitors – attributable in part to a loss of consumer confidence following the US credit crunch.“
Ms Boyle said the latest figures showed that of the 154,000 overseas travellers who visited Townsville, 129,000 came on holiday – five percent more than in the year before.
Overall international visitors spent 1.4 million nights and $79 million in the region.
“With international visitor numbers to Australia generally flat and with Queensland recording an overall three percent decline in visitor numbers, it’s good to be able to report some positive news for Townsville,” Ms Boyle said.
She said Britons made up the largest number of international visitors, with 40,000 spending 304,000 nights in the Townsville region, eight percent more visitors and 40 percent more nights than in the year before.
This was followed by 18,000 Germans, 14,000 New Zealanders.
“There is no doubt the Townsville region’s natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, islands and national parks, are high on international visitors’ ‘must see’ list when they visit the destination,” Ms Boyle said.
IVS Year Ended June 2008 – Townsville Snapshot:
Total international visitors: 154,000, up 6%
Total international visitor nights: 1.4 million, down 8%
International holiday visitors: 129,000, up 5%
International visiting friends or relatives: 16,000, stable
Total international expenditure: $79, down 5%
Spend per visitor: $548, down 9%
Spend per night: $62, up 9 %
Ends
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister’s office: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 13 195
Tourism Queensland: Danielle Koopman 3535 5588 or 0424 151 684.
10 September 2008
There is good news for the future however with strong growth from the emerging markets of China, India and Malaysia, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said today.
“There’s no doubt that Queensland’s tourism industry is in the middle of a very difficult period with a slowing global economy, a strong AUD, record fuel prices and competition from other destinations all affecting international travel to our state,” she said.
“While overall visitor numbers are down, including our leading Japanese and UK markets, which declined 16 and 11 percent respectively to 312,000 and 256,000 visitors, these results are not unexpected.
“Queensland’s fourth largest market, the United States, has declined six percent to 167,000 visitors – attributable in part to a loss of consumer confidence following the US credit crunch.“
Ms Boyle said the latest figures showed that of the 154,000 overseas travellers who visited Townsville, 129,000 came on holiday – five percent more than in the year before.
Overall international visitors spent 1.4 million nights and $79 million in the region.
“With international visitor numbers to Australia generally flat and with Queensland recording an overall three percent decline in visitor numbers, it’s good to be able to report some positive news for Townsville,” Ms Boyle said.
She said Britons made up the largest number of international visitors, with 40,000 spending 304,000 nights in the Townsville region, eight percent more visitors and 40 percent more nights than in the year before.
This was followed by 18,000 Germans, 14,000 New Zealanders.
“There is no doubt the Townsville region’s natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, islands and national parks, are high on international visitors’ ‘must see’ list when they visit the destination,” Ms Boyle said.
IVS Year Ended June 2008 – Townsville Snapshot:
Total international visitors: 154,000, up 6%
Total international visitor nights: 1.4 million, down 8%
International holiday visitors: 129,000, up 5%
International visiting friends or relatives: 16,000, stable
Total international expenditure: $79, down 5%
Spend per visitor: $548, down 9%
Spend per night: $62, up 9 %
Ends
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister’s office: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 13 195
Tourism Queensland: Danielle Koopman 3535 5588 or 0424 151 684.
10 September 2008