Regional tourism spend hits record $645 million

TOURISTS spent a record $40 billion in Victoria last year, according to new data from Tourism Research Australia.

The latest figures show total tourism spending rose 5.8 per cent in 2023, with international visitor spending driving much of the growth.

India was a standout market, with 223,000 Indian visitors spending $714 million and clocking up 12.4 million nights in Victoria – more than in any other state.

In comparison, Indian visitors spent $496 million in New South Wales and $230 million

in Queensland.

China remained the state’s largest international market by total spend, contributing $2.7 billion; a 52 per cent increase on the previous year.

Tourism minister Steve Dimopoulos said the new data reflected growing demand for the state’s events and visitor experiences.

“It is no wonder people want to come to Victoria, there is so much to see and do across the state and these events support local communities.”

Spending in regional Victoria also hit a new high, with international visitors contributing $645 million, which is up 36 per cent on the previous year.

Events such as Comedy in the Vines, Matildas v Chinese Taipei, and the Grampians Grape Escape were among those credited with drawing more visitors to the regions, backed by the state’s Regional Events Fund.

Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said targeted efforts in key markets such as India were paying off.

“We’re proud to continue to support the growth of visitors, through tourism initiatives like the recent Indian inbound trade missions and major event support in cricket and kabaddi.”