Following the International Visitor Survey figures released two weeks ago, the National Visitor Survey shows where domestic tourists are visiting within Australia’s national borders.

Australian visitors to the Cowper region have grown 16 per cent over the last three years, numbering more almost 5.1 million in the last twelve months.

In welcome news to the local tourism industry and local economy, these visitors are staying longer and spending more.

Domestic visitors have spent almost $2.9 billion this last year, which is 19 per cent more than three years ago.

These tourists stayed more than 20 million nights in total, for an average of four nights each, which is an increase of 14 per cent in three years.

“These figures demonstrate that our local tourism industry is healthy and this is great news for the local economy. Growth in tourism means local jobs for local people,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Domestic visitors to our region spend money on goods and services which boosts local business, creates jobs and grows our economy.

“The almost 3,500 local tourism jobs will be the direct beneficiaries of this growth but with increased demand, these businesses will need to expand to keep up and that’s where we see more jobs.

“Tourism remains a pillar of our economy and the Coalition Government will continue to invest in growing our vibrant tourism sector.”

The National Visitor Survey is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: www.tra.gov.au