More people are choosing Melbourne for work and leisure, with new data showing a significant increase in city visitation over the past 12 months.
An independent survey commissioned by the City of Melbourne found 76 per cent of respondents visited the city between April and June - up from 45 per cent in the third quarter of 2021.
City visitors spent an average of $181 across a range of sectors - including hospitality, retail, events, accommodation and transport, compared to $163 the previous quarter.
Melbourne's vibrant hospitality scene is leading the city's sustained bounce back, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed spending money on food and beverages during their visit.
More than 90 per cent of those interviewed said they would consider visiting the City of Melbourne for leisure - considerably higher than Chadstone (57 per cent) and Melbourne's bayside suburbs (51 per cent).
Workplace attendance continues to improve, despite an increase in COVID-19 cases during winter. 82 per cent of city workers interviewed returned to their workplace at least once in the previous week - the highest level since surveying began in July 2021.
In May, 52 per cent of respondents said they'd attended their workplace three times or more in the previous week.
There's growing confidence in Melbourne as a visitor destination, with a sharp decline in the number of people surveyed reporting concerns about visiting the city because of COVID-19.
City of Melbourne data also reflects the sustained uplift in visitation, with foot traffic after dark at key dining and entertainment precincts regularly exceeding the pre-COVID benchmark.
From 12 to 18 September, night-time activity at Southbank was at 125.5 per cent of the pre-COVID benchmark.
Docklands' night-time economy is also bouncing back, with activity at New Quay reaching 147.6 per cent of 2019 levels.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"Melbourne is booming as more locals and visitors flock to the city to enjoy everything on offer - from our world-class hospitality scene to our spectacular line-up of creative offerings and events."
"There's a new rhythm to the city, with weekend and night-time activity frequently going above and beyond pre-pandemic levels. We're learning how we can best harness those peak periods for our traders."
"Despite the chillier months, sentiment tracking proves that Melbourne is a popular winter destination - and we will keep that momentum going as we leap into spring."
"We're continuing to attract more international students, we're drawing back office workers through unparalleled employment and entertainment opportunities in the city, and we have some of the best tourism offerings in the country."
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
"The city has cemented its reputation as the destination of choice for Victorians looking to unwind."
"We will continue to invest in events that drive people to the city so that we can maintain this momentum over the warmer months."
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