OUTBACK DRAWCARD:
THERE are a million reasons to get excited about Outback Queensland – literally.
A record 1.07 million tourists visited the region last year, smashing the million mark for the first time.
The Outback renaissance is a shining light of Tourism Research Australia figures, due to be released today.
A record 28 million visitors spent $24.8 billion in Queensland in the year to June.
Gold Coast tourism leaders were heralding the renewed love of the city by the Japanese, with visitor numbers up 14 per cent.
The Outback was also celebrating, with more than 1.07 million visitors spending $724 million in communities where economies have been ravaged by drought and farm closures.
The number represents an increase of more than 100,000 on the previous year and follows an aggressive tourism campaign by the Queensland Government promoting 2019 as “The Year of Outback Tourism”.
Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the results showed people remained passionate and fascinated about the heart of the state.
“It shows that our message is reaching our target markets and they are visiting in their droves,” Ms Jones said.
“It also demonstrates the value that tourism can bring to these local economies, particularly as they struggle through drought.”
Melbourne’s Monika Gould, who travelled through the Queensland Outback with husband Richard, said the experience was “amazing”.
“We wanted to go out there because we knew they had been doing it tough with the drought and what have you but we’ve had a wonderful time,” she said.
“Even with everything they’ve been through, the people are so lovely and friendly and they really made you feel welcome.
“It was just amazing.” Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham was also encouraged by the Japanese numbers on the Gold Coast, which was one of the Asian nation’s most popular destinations before the economy collapsed.
“We’ve seen a huge resurgence in the Japanese tourism market and Queensland is reaping the rewards,” he said.
“While they might fly into Brisbane, they’re dispersing out into the regions – whether it be the Gold Coast, Noosa and even further.”