By PAUL MILLAR
Geelong and the Bellarine are major drawcards for international visitors to Australia and Victoria is driving a tourism fightback with a massive boost in overseas tourists.
Over a 12-month period to the end of the September, international visitors to the state were up 28 per cent, generating an income of $6.2 billion.
While Victoria topped expenditure growth rates, Geelong and the Bellarine led the way in a regional breakdown with a 22.6 per cent hike in overseas visitors.
Roger Grant from Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine said it was an outstanding result which was driven by a changing market.
“We are benefitting from a change in focus.
“We are now a destination that is globally compelling and multi-things have lined up for us,” the chief executive said.
“Geelong has stepped into the main spotlight and we are reaping the benefits,” he said.
Studies by Tourism Research Australia showed that mainland China visitors were partly driving the Victorian growth and were pouring $2.1 billion into the state’s coffers.
Mr Grant said the Chinese now led the list of overseas visitors to the region at a chart topping 14 per cent, followed by tourists from New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“China has come on leaps and bounds on what was projected. The level of increase has been quite dramatic,” he said.
Overseas tourists pump about $60 million into the local economy annually with Mr Grant saying that in addition to the traditional attractions many overseas visitors were travelling to the region to catch up with relations at Deakin University.
Minister for Tourism and Lara MP John Eren said Victoria was leading all other states in international visitor numbers.
“It’s a sign we are heading in the right direction,” Mr Eren said.
“Our international visitors are vital to our economy. They keep our small businesses busy and generate jobs for Victorians, making it a stronger state,” the minister said.
Expenditure by international tourists in regional Victoria increased overall by 17.5 per cent, reaching $437 million.
Geelong also earns $271 million from domestic day-trippers and $417 million from domestic overnight stays.
