International visitor numbers on the rise in Hinkler

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today welcomed an increase in international visitors travelling to Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast according to the latest tourism data.

Mr Pitt said the 2016 International Visitor Survey, produced by Tourism Research Australia, showed 41,000 international visitors travelled to Bundaberg, while 147,000 international visitors travelled to the Fraser Coast.

“More international tourists are visiting the Hinkler region and are staying longer and spending more.

“This is great news for Hinkler and the 3380 local tourism jobs,” Mr Pitt said.

International visitors spent $35 million while in Bundaberg with an average spend per person of $859.

On the Fraser Coast, international visitors spent $40 million with an average spend per person of $271.

International tourists stayed 992,000 nights in Bundaberg, with an average 24 nights, and 778,000 tourists stayed an average five nights on the Fraser Coast.

“The survey shows the tourism industry in Hinkler continues to register strong growth – driving local jobs and economic growth,” he said.

“Tourism remains an important focus for the Coalition Government, with our vibrant tourism sector forecast to continue its growth trajectory over the next decade.”

The Coalition Government is acting to further harness the growth in tourists from key Asian nations including through a landmark open aviation market between China and Australia increasing aviation capacity, trial of 10 year multiple entry visas and enabling Chinese nationals to apply for visitor visas online.

A recent announcement of additional flights between Indonesia and Australia will also increase flight capacity by up to 13 per cent and initiatives such as streamlining visas in key markets like Indonesia will further stimulate visitors.

To support the tourism industry to grow further the Coalition Government has committed a record $639 million for Tourism Australia to market Australia overseas.

The International Visitor Survey is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: www.tra.gov.au