Wollongong is featured among the top 10 fastest growing regional destinations in Australia for international demand, according to a new report released by the Expedia Group.
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There were six locations in NSW featured on the national list with Wollongong coming at number five after achieving year-on-year growth of 75 per cent for international visitation.
The Murray was in the top spot with 130 per cent growth followed by the Hunter Valley on 105 per cent and Mackay on 90 per cent.
Six of the top locations in Australia with in NSW which had 40 per cent year-on-year growth overall.
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said other recent figures show Wollongong is rapidly becoming known as a genuine leisure tourism destination for global travelers.
International visitation to Wollongong is up by nearly 70 per cent in the 12 months to September 18, 2018, according to the international visitor survey conducted by Tourism Research Australia.
"Importantly, expenditure has also increased by 60 per cent which is a fantastic result for the city," Mr Sleigh said.
Destination Wollongong feels there is more than one reason for the consistent growth.
"International engagement with some of the largest tourism operators in the world, such as royal Caribbean, and international events, such as the UCI Road World Cycling Championship, are no doubt driving international recognition which is translating to greater visitation," Mr Sleigh said.
"Another great opportunity for the city is the high level of returning visitors from growing Asian markets, who have previously visited traditional Sydney landmarks and the Blue Mountains, and are looking for another place to visit within an easy hours drive of Sydney.
"Wollongong couldn't be better placed to cater to these visitors".
Mr Sleigh said Destination Wollongong's Tracey Pascoe has been working in the international space for the past five years.
He said she had been doing a great job growing Asian markets such as China and South East Asia.
Destination Wollongong believes the key to continuing the upward trend is developing iconic infrastructure and giving visitors, whether they are international or domestic, reasons to spend money in places of high visitation.
"Our highest point of international visitation in Wollongong is Flagstaff Hill and they spend their time chasing seagulls, not spending money," he said.
"Our challenge, if we are to continue to grow the visitor economy, is to develop commercial opportunities in places where tourists go".
The latest findings coincide with calls for more hotel accommodation in Wollongong.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
