The Victoria Tourism Industry Council welcomes the latest results of the International Visitor Survey for year-ending June 2018, which showed that Victoria continues a growth trajectory across many key indicators. There was strong year-on-year growth for international visitor expenditure and visitor numbers in Victoria, both ahead of the national average.
A 7.3% increase in year-on-year spend and 7.9% increase in year-on-year visitors illustrate that Victoria is performing strongly and that the industry's efforts in attracting international visitors to our State are paying dividends. The expansion of Victoria's aviation footprint has also stimulated growth with direct flights between Melbourne to Tokyo and Delhi impacting double digit growth from the Japanese and Indian markets.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said, "The June 2018 results of the international visitor survey are pleasing in that Victoria is continuing to grow and attract international visitors at a rate ahead of the national average. It's testament to the collective efforts of industry, State and Federal Governments that international visitors are attracted to coming to Victoria.
However, it is disappointing that the results again show regional Victoria is missing out on the overall international spend, retaining only a 7% share; a figure that has remained consistent for some time. Visitor nights in regional Victoria have declined by 3.8% from the same time last year. International visitors to regional Victoria from Western markets has also declined by 5.9% from the same time last year.
This week's announcement by the Federal Government to match State Government funding for the Geelong City Deal is a prime example of the type of game-changing infrastructure that will help arrest this trend. Investments into the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, the Geelong Convention Centre and the Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry Terminals will attract visitors to convert day-trips to overnight trips, boosting expenditure in regional Victoria.
The Geelong City Deal highlights the importance of collaboration between Governments and industry in creating world-class products and experiences that will deliver benefits for tourism businesses and communities in regional Victoria" Ms Mariani said.
