THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the latest results of Tourism Research Australia\u2019s International Visitor Survey (IVS), which show regional Victoria is the best performer in international visitation growth compared to all other states.<\/p>\n
Visitation has more than tripled the regional national average, with a 12 per cent increase since last quarter.<\/p>\n
VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the significant increase was testament to regional Victoria\u2019s unmatched nature-based tourism offerings and unique products and services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe latest IVS results are proof that regional Victoria is not going unnoticed on a national stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith major drawcards like Phillip Island\u2019s Penguin Parade and the Great Ocean Road\u2019s Shipwreck Coast, it is not surprising that more and more people are flocking from all over the globe to visit our unparalleled tourism offerings.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted the state government\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis planned review will look at better allocation of whole of government resources to support priority projects that will be \u2018game changers\u2019 for moving the needle on visitation to regional Victoria from key markets \u2013 both domestic and international.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can see a plan that results in joined up investment by government and the private sector to create compelling experiences across our state \u2013 that would be the perfect outcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to keep the momentum of this significant improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf 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,\u201d Ms Mariani said.<\/p>\n
VTIC will also bring this year\u2019s Victorian Tourism Conference to regional Victoria, with the annual event to be held at Geelong\u2019s GMHBA Stadium on July 17-18.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the latest results of Tourism Research Australia\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n