International visitors flock to regional Victoria

THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the latest results of Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey (IVS), which show regional Victoria is the best performer in international visitation growth compared to all other states.

Visitation has more than tripled the regional national average, with a 12 per cent increase since last quarter.

VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the significant increase was testament to regional Victoria’s unmatched nature-based tourism offerings and unique products and services.

“The latest IVS results are proof that regional Victoria is not going unnoticed on a national stage.

“With major drawcards like Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade and the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast, it is not surprising that more and more people are flocking from all over the globe to visit our unparalleled tourism offerings.”

She noted the state government’s Regional Tourism Review had an important role to plays in ensuring that there was a case for developing new products and experiences that would engage discerning international visitors and improve connectivity and dispersal to the regions.

“This planned review will look at better allocation of whole of government resources to support priority projects that will be ‘game changers’ for moving the needle on visitation to regional Victoria from key markets – both domestic and international.

“If we can see a plan that results in joined up investment by government and the private sector to create compelling experiences across our state – that would be the perfect outcome.

“We need to keep the momentum of this significant improvement.”

While regional Victoria outstripped all other states in terms of international visitation, overnight spend in the regions only slightly improved, with a 3.5 per cent increase since last year.

“If we want our international visitors to access and spend in regional Victoria, we must give them the confidence to do so by integrating infrastructure, attractions, experiences and reliable transport solutions,” Ms Mariani said.

VTIC will also bring this year’s Victorian Tourism Conference to regional Victoria, with the annual event to be held at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium on July 17-18.