Bellarine attracts millions of visitors

VISITOR numbers to the Bellarine and Geelong have soared during the past year, along with the amount of money being spent.

Recent statistics from Tourism Research Australia reveals that 5.1 million visitors travelled to the Bellarine and Geelong during the year ending September 2017 – an increase of 14.1 per cent on the previous year.

Visitors spent an impressive $942 million – an increase of 14.4 per cent.

Geelong and the Bellarine also received more than 3.6 million domestic daytrip visitors, who spent $332 million in the region – averaging $91 per trip.

Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Roger Grant said the growth of the visitor economy for the Bellarine and Geelong had exceeded expectations, and that it was particularly pleasing that, more than ever, the region was being recognised as a major destination in its own right.

“Our key objective is to convert those 3.6 million day trip visitors into overnight stays by focusing on compelling experiences and activities in the region,” Mr Grant said.

“Longer stays mean higher economic impact and more local jobs.”

He said there was huge potential for further growth from game-changer projects like the Geelong Convention Centre and great opportunities for international flights at Avalon Airport.

Other statistics showed that Geelong and the Bellarine received more than 1.4 million domestic overnight visitors, who spent almost 3.8 million nights in the region, while domestic overnight visitors spent $518 million in the region, which is on average $137 per night.

Geelong and the Bellarine received 55,900 international overnight visitors, who spent 937,800 nights in the region, and international overnight visitors spent $92 million in the region, which on average is $98 per night.