There is plenty of positivity heading into the peak tourism season, with recently released statistics highlighting the Grampians’ continued surge as a popular destination.
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According to Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey for the year ending June 2018, the Grampians is one of the best up and coming tourist destinations in Victoria.
The Grampians ranked number one in the state for growth in domestic visitor nights in region, with visitors spending nearly 2.6 million nights in the region - a 25.8 per cent increase on the year before.
It also received 980,000 domestic overnight visitors in the last financial year, up by nearly 13 per cent.
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Domestic overnight expenditure of $326 million also had the Grampians sit second for the biggest increase, with a 25.6 pr cent growth.
“This new data shows the Grampians region is above both state and national averages in all measures,” Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said.
“Our multi-tactical approach to destination marketing is continuing to deliver strong increases in visitor numbers, expenditure and greater economic benefit for the whole region.
“This is a sensational result for the Grampians region and is reflective of the significant efforts that have been put into showcasing the region’s many highlights and diverse range of activities, which has encouraged visitor dispersal around the region and increasing the duration of their stay.”
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Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park owner and operator Marianne Braam said she has “definitely” noticed the increase.
“I have really noticed a lot more people on the ground, it has been really good,” she said.
“I feel like we have more people coming back and spending a bit more time here.”
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Mrs Braam said the boost in tourism numbers is only a good thing for Stawell and surrounding towns.
“More people means more money in the local bucket,” she said.
“We are a tourist town so to have more and more people visiting is just fantastic."
The statistics come as “substantial” state government funding was announced for the Grampians Grape Escape.
The event will receive money as part of the government’s Regional Events Fund.