Tourism records tumble as Sydney and Melbourne visitors flock to Brisbane

AUSTRALIAN visitors continue to flock to Brisbane in record numbers as the latest statistics show Brisbane has become a favourite destination for Sydneysiders and Melburnians.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said the National Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia revealed record numbers of visitors from Sydney and Melbourne had converged on Brisbane over the year to March 2019.

“The number of visitors from Sydney climbed 9.4 per cent to reach an all-time high of 923,000 while Melbourne visitors rose 4.6 per cent to reach a record 554,000 over the year,” Cr Adams said.

“The National Visitor Survey also revealed the total number of domestic visitors to our city reached an all-time high and we smashed records across the holiday, business and visiting friends and relatives’ segments.

“Overall, these visitors spent a record amount in Brisbane – up 7.5 percent to $4.8 billion.

“Australians are increasingly attracted to Brisbane as the city offers more to see and do through new hotels and attractions, culinary experiences and entertainment precincts such as Howard Smith Wharves.

“We continue to drive Brisbane as a destination of choice through campaigns in our southern markets.

“Major events over the year also attracted visitors - including the Brisbane International, Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, World Science Festival Brisbane and Curiocity - and we continue to work to grow our events calendar.

“Increasing the number of visitors to our city is vitally important to support our small businesses and jobs across our accommodation, retail, hospitality and service sectors.”

Brisbane, National Visitor Survey, year-ending March 2019:

Total expenditure            $4.8 billion up 7.5% - record

Total visitors                   7.6 million up 9.9% - record 

Holiday visitors                2.2 million up 6.8% - record

VFR visitors                     2.9 million up 7.9% - record

Business visitors              1.9 million up 14.5% - record

Total visitor nights          22.0 million up 4.3% - record

www.brisbanemarketing.com.au

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