For the second consecutive quarter, numbers in the crucial domestic overnight expenditure, domestic overnight visitors and domestic visitor nights per stay rose for the Grampians.

“We have seen just crazy numbers, we could not be happier with what we saw,” Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said.

Despite still tracking behind key Victorian tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road and the High Country, the Grampians is one of the fastest growing destinations.

Visitors spent $356 million for the year ending September 2018, up by 31.9 per cent. 

The amount of visitors increased to more than one million, up 15.4 per cent and those visitors spent nearly 3 million nights in the region between them, an increase of 34.4 per cent.

The region was above the statewide percentage change for all three key categories.

Mr Sleeman said the numbers are “very encouraging”.

“Things are tracking really well, more people are visiting, staying longer and spending more which is all we can really ask for,” he said.

“The growth of how many night visitors are staying is the biggest in the state which is amazing.”

Grampians Tourism and businesses within the region have been hard at work to continue to grow the industry and bring more people, with impact of ‘The Grampians Way’ advertising campaign reflected in the new data.

Related: Tourism rises in Grampians in mid-2018

Mr Sleeman said he believes more and more people, especially from Melbourne, are starting to hear more about and wanting to visit the region.

“We have been trying to showcase and highlight some the activities we have available. There are so many lakes and waterways that two years ago weren’t really promoted,” he said.

“We have been leveraging activities like fishing, waterfalls like Mackenzies Falls and letting people know they can see them 365 days a year.”

Mr Sleeman said a “30 per cent growth in investment” to the industry has resulted in the successful numbers.

Read more: Former mayor signs on as new tourism chair

“We aren’t just seeing them in one spot either, it has happened across the region. People are getting out and exploring all around, with highlights like the Pinnacle and Boroka Lookout always popular,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said the continued growth in the numbers is nothing but positive for community members in the region.

“We can grow visitor numbers but if you aren’t making them stay longer or spend more you are just spinning your wheels,” he said.

“From an employment perspective the visitor economy is one that employs young people and gives pathways for them to stay in the region. 

“Things are really looking up.”

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