International visitors set record for spending on the Gold Coast

New data released today shows international visitors spent a record $1.3 billion on the Gold Coast last financial year.

Preliminary international visitor figures for the year ended June 2018 released today by Tourism Research Australia, show Queensland’s tourism industry continues to grow from strength to strength.

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the data released today showed more than a million visitors spent a record $1.3 billion on the Coast over the last financial year.

“Tourism is vital for the Gold Coast’s economy. Today’s data just goes to show that our strategy to grow the local tourism industry is working,” she said.

“We’re investing in this sector to create the jobs of the future on the Coast

“The fact that we’re luring more visitors who are spending more while they’re here is great news for the Gold Coast.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the result was great news for the state’s $25 billion tourism industry and reflected the breadth of tourism experiences in Queensland.

“Queensland’s growth in visitor spending was significantly higher than Australia’s average growth – 8.1 per cent in comparison to 4.8 per cent,” she said.

“China remains Queensland’s number one international market, with more than 500,000 visitors spending a record $1.3 billion.

“These figures reinforce the importance of tourism to the our economy and its role in supporting Queensland jobs.”

During the 2018 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government committed:

•          $48 million for the Attracting Tourism fund to lure more direct flights and cruise ships
•          $36 million for the Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund to deliver new attractions
•          $10 million for outback tourism infrastructure
•          $36 million for major events
•          $50 million to rejuvenate Great Barrier Reef island resorts

“Today’s data shows our strategy to grow Queensland’s tourism sector is working,” Ms Jones said.

“We’re investing more in tourism than any other government in Queensland’s history to make sure these numbers continue to grow.

“Our investment to secure more direct flights, develop new ecotourism opportunities and grow events shows our vision for future growth.”

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