Based on figures provided by Destination NSW, the Monitor report shows the total number of visitors to Port Stephens in the year ending September 2015 reached 1.46 million, or 10 per cent up on the previous year.
A rise of 10 per cent in visitors to Port Stephens has seen them stay 22 per cent extra nights, according to the latest Visitor Economy Monitor from Destination Port Stephens (DPS).
Based on figures provided by Destination NSW, the Monitor report shows the total number of visitors to Port Stephens in the year ending September 2015 reached 1.46 million, or 10 per cent up on the previous year. These visitors stayed in the region a total of 2.49 million nights – a 22 percent increase – and spent an estimated $363 million during their visits.
A breakdown of the figures by DPS shows Port Stephens attracted 665,000 domestic overnight visitors in the year to September 2015, which was 11 per cent up on the previous year. They stayed a total of 2.4 million nights – a 24 per cent increase – with the average stay lengthening from 3.2 nights in the previous year to 3.6 nights.
The figures also show that in the year ending last September, 27,300 international visitors – a rise of five per cent – stayed an average of 4.4 nights in Port Stephens.
Meanwhile, the number of day trippers to Port Stephens rose 11 per cent to 770,400 in the year to September 30, 2015.
Welcoming the figures, Destination Port Stephens Chairman Allan Ray said it was encouraging to see more visitors spending longer in Port Stephens, with the flow-on effects benefitting all sections of the local economy.
Mr Ray said the ‘Love Port Stephens’ marketing campaign was working to draw more visitors to the region around the experiences of food, nature and adventure.
“Tourism is a key economic driver in Port Stephens and these latest figures show the region is evolving as a destination and captivating more people who are staying longer to experience more of what the region has to offer.”
“We intend to further grow and diversify the destinational appeal of Port Stephens so more Australian and overseas visitors enjoy our unique drawcards, strengthening the region’s economy in the process.”
Experiences in Port Stephens include dolphin swims and cruises, sandboarding, quadbiking, bushwalking, cycling, parasailing, camel riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, craft beer and wineries, seaview cafes and restaurants, fresh seafood and produce and lazing on pristine bay and ocean beaches.
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