More people are choosing Outback Queensland over coastal adventures.
While many country towns in Queensland are doing it tough, the growth in the tourism industry in general, and the number of grey nomad visitors in particular, continues to offer hope … even in drought-ridden regions.
The recently released Outback Tourism snapshot from Tourism Events Queensland shows a strong increase in visitor numbers, as travellers flock to discover the magic of the state’s vast interior.
Data which covers the three years up until March of this year shows domestic overnight travel to the Outback region increasing by 11% to 806,000 visitors, while visitor spending in the region grew by 7.1% over the same period.
The figures show that domestic tourism accounts for a whopping 97% of all overnight visitors to Outback Queensland, with most of those travellers coming from other parts of the state. Of the 806,000 visitors to the Queensland Outback, 622,000 of them hadn’t crossed a state border to get there, up 11.8% on previous data. The number of interstate visitors also grew strongly though, up 8.6% to 183,000 visitors.
The overall contribution of these visitors to the local economy Is not to be sniffed at. Regional Tourism Satellite Accounts figures show tourism contributed more than $200 million to the Outback Queensland economy during the 2015-2016 financial year – up by almost 20%.
Outback Tourism Queensland Association General Manager Peter Homan told Queensland Country Life that it seemed many people were choosing to spend more time in inland Australia rather than on the coast.
“We provide a safe authentic Australian experience which resonates with the travelling public,” he said. “Sales of motorhomes, caravans and camper trailers continue to grow … a positive outlook for our future.”
Mr Homan said visits by grey nomads and other travellers were hugely important to many struggling rural communities.
“Tourism provides an alternative source of employment for Outback communities to the agriculture and resource sectors,” he said. “As those two sectors have been affected by drought and a softening in the sector over recent years it is very satisfying to see an increase in both visitation and employment in our area.”
Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said the data highlighted the importance of a thriving tourism industry.
“This latest data demonstrates the widespread benefits of the industry to Queensland’s unique destinations, the economy and as a strong contributor to the workforce,” she told Queensland Country Life. “It is clear tourism and events make a valuable economic contribution to the state, but it also makes vital contributions to Queensland’s diverse and unique culture, lifestyle and liveability.”
I would rather travel the outback of Australia than the coast any day. They provide a great experience. The coastal areas think we have our beaches so that’s enough
We spent 5 weeks travelling outback Qld and the NT (did not go to Darwin), visiting these wonderful towns. Had wonderful nights watching State of Origin in Charleville and Camooweal……..made feel very welcome at the venues and happy to spend our money in these vibrant small communities
I,ll spend my money where I am made to feel welcome and I dont feel that I am getting ripped off.Where people appreciate your patronage and you spending money in there little towns.That certainly isnt anywhere along the east coast. Cheers Stevo.
We travelled up the Kidman, from Griffith, Cobar, Bourke, Cunnamulla, Charleville, Longreach, Winton and returned via Emerald, Moree, Dubbo, etc.
Have a great trip, met friendly locals, admired the scenery, soaked in the history.
We just love it out there ….