Tourism data released today shows that Victoria's visitor economy is growing.
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has monitored the stability and health of tourism through changes in the number of businesses in the sector. Its latest report found that for the five-year period to June 2017, Victoria experienced the second largest growth rate in total tourism businesses (+5.3% or +3,898 businesses), just behind the Australian Capital Territory (+5.7% or +204 businesses) and a long way ahead when compared to New South Wales (+1.7%), Queensland (+0.7%) and the national average (+2.0%).
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the research, which found that to June 2017, tourism comprised some 77,800 businesses in Victoria, or around 13 per cent of all Victorian businesses.
VTIC Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said, "TRA's data confirms VTIC's campaign message, that Tourism is Victoria's Business. It also confirms that business is growing, and we know this growth is driven by strong visitor numbers."
TRA's International Visitor Survey for the year ending June 2018 was also released today, showing that international visitor numbers for Victoria are up 7.9 per cent, year-on-year, to 3 million; and international expenditure is up 7.3 per cent year-on-year, to $8 million.
Ahead of the November state election VTIC is calling for more government investment in tourism infrastructure and attractions.
Ms Mariani said, "Many of Victoria's 77,800 tourism businesses provide visitor services and experiences, many of which are based around key attractions or iconic experiences.
"So whether it's the Croagingalong Coastal Walk, the expansion of Fed Square, or a major upgrade at Sovereign Hill to celebrate its golden anniversary, investment in these tourism projects will encourage not only more visitation, but also more business development and investment."
