Tourism record broken
48,000 international tourists visit Downs, up 20% on previous year
A RECORD number of international tourists have visited the Darling Downs, with more than 48,000 overseas travellers coming to the region in the past year, according to the latest Tourism Research Australia data.
The International Visitors Survey figures revealed a 20% rise in total overseas travellers to Southern Queensland Country in 2017 compared with 2016, with Europeans making up the largest proportion.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO MaryClare Power said international tourists injected $66 million into the local economy last year - a 10% boost over its 2016 contribution.
“This record high in total international visitors is a reflection of the hard work being done on the ground by the SQCT team and regional tourism operators to ensure they provide exceptional experiences,” Ms Power said.
“It is significant that the largest increase in international visitors was attributed to those who come to SQC for a holiday and to visit family and friends.
“Over the past three years, the leisure tourist category has risen by 10%, representing a solid and substantial growth trend.”
European tourists, including those from the United Kingdom, made up the largest number of international tourists to SQC with 14,000 visitors, up 8% over 2016, while the three-year trend shows an increase of 6%.
“The next largest sector is from Asia with 12,000 visitors and then New Zealand and North America,” Ms Power said.