International visitors to the Gold Coast increased 2.3% in the 12 months from January 2009 to December 2009, and they spent just over $1 billion in the tourism capital according to figures released today by Tourism Research Australia.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the positive gain was made even more satisfying with the achievement of an 8.4% increase in Japanese visitors and a 12% increase in Chinese visitors, two markets which have been the focus of increased efforts by the destination marketing organisation.

“Gold Coast Tourism is leading Australia’s tourism industry and clearly our international strategy is working, proven by our ability to attract a 2.3 per cent increase in international visitors while global travel has fallen by 4 per cent and international travel to Queensland also declined 4 per cent,” he said.

“And the work we have put in to turn our Japanese visitation around is paying real dividends, our partnerships with Gold Coast Airport, Jetstar Airlines and Tourism Queensland have delivered an 8.4 per cent increase from Japan, that’s the best result in a number of years.”

Tourism and Transport Forum Australia National Manager for Tourism, Evan Hall suggests the tried and true formula of providing exceptional value for money has continued to pave the way for the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast has outperformed numerous other destinations in regards to the international market by providing good value tourism experiences, backed by effective marketing by Gold Coast Tourism, State Government and Industry,” said Mr Hall.

“The recovery in the Japanese market is unique to the Gold Coast and will instil added confidence in tourism businesses and investors, while the very good news has been the Gold Coast’s success in attracting the next generation of visitors out of China.”

International Visitors and Spend on the Gold Coast
• International Visitors = 813,000 (up 2.3%)
• International Visitor Spend = $1.012 billion (up 0.4%)

Top Three International Source Markets by Visitor Number for the Gold Coast
• New Zealand Visitors = 204,000 (down 3.3%)
• Japan Visitors = 116,000 (up 8.4%)
• China Visitors = 102,000 (up 12%)

Best Performing International Source Markets by Visitor Growth for the Gold Coast
• USA Visitors = 33,553 (up 22%)
• Taiwan Visitors = 23,795 (up 29.4%)
• United Kingdom Visitors = 71,926 (up 8%)

Source: Tourism Research Australia – International Visitor Survey, Year Ending December, 2009.

Note: Tourism Research Australia – National Visitor Survey will be released Wednesday 17 March 2009, it will outline visitation from within Australia.

For further comment please contact:
Gold Coast Tourism Director Communications and Marketing Services, Ben Pole
Phone 0437 343 104 or email ben.pole@gctourism.com