Thanks to an influx of tourists from New Zealand, Europe and North America, the visitor growth rate to the Sunshine Coast has doubled that of Queensland’s for the year ending March 2015.
According to Tourism Research Australia’s latest International Visitor Survey, the Sunshine Coast welcomed 14 percent more international visitors over the 12 months while Queensland only experienced a seven percent growth rate.
The double-digit growth saw the Sunshine Coast attract a total of 258,000 visitors for the year.
Key growth markets were from northern Europe, with Germany up 37 percent, Scandinavia up 19.2 percent, and UK up 15.2 percent.
New Zealand continued to be a powerful contributor, up 12.8 percent, while Canada’s rise of 13 percent highlighted the potential for growth from the North American market.
Simon Ambrose, CEO of Sunshine Coast Destination (SCDL) said growth comes after targeted promotions which highlighted the Noosa, Hinterland and Rainbow Beach areas.
“A $200,000 campaign in New Zealand has been responsible for producing double-digit inbound growth for all areas of the Sunshine Coast.”
Simon Ambrose, Sunshine Coast Destination CEO
Ambrose said he expects Qantas’ upcoming return to the Sunshine Coast to attract even more visitors in the future.
The Flying Kangaroo announced last week it would resume flights to the region on 21 December after a ten year absence.
