Tourism boom: Victoria’s top visitor attractions revealed

VICTORIA’S top tourist destination has been revealed, as new figures show tourist spending jumped 12 per cent last year — with a whopping $26 billion pumped into the state’s economy.

FEDERATION Square has ranked as Victoria’s top tourist destination as the state leads the nation for growth in visitor spending.

New figures show tourist spending jumped 12 per cent last year, with a whopping $26 billion pumped into the state’s economy.

China remained the main source of the tourist spending.

Visit Victoria data shows Chinese tourists spent $2.7 billion in Victoria last year — more than the next seven international markets combined.

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Li, son Evan and husband Wang Wenxiao from China in Federation Square. Picture: Jason Edwards

A Chinese tourist posing at Federation Square. Picture: Jason Edwards

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Chinese parents Wang and Li Wenxiao and their son Evan are spending eight days touring Victoria.

“We chose Victoria because it offers experiences we could never have back in China,” said Mr Wenxiao. “We learnt to fly at Moorabbin ­Airport and are going to learn how to surf in Torquay.”

Overseas visitors stay for 24 nights and spend $2700 on average.

The surge in overseas spending was greatest in Victoria (12 per cent) compared to NSW (9.7 per cent), Queensland (4.1 per cent) and South Australia (2 per cent).

Melbourne’s unique culinary experiences, world-class cafe culture and luxury shopping are a major drawcard for international tourists.

Two-thirds of the city’s luxury ­retail purchases were made by ­Chinese tourists and immigrants.

Direct flights from China to Victoria quadrupled by the end of 2017, and almost 40 new hotels were approved for construction in Melbourne.

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Great Ocean Road. Picture: Visit Victoria

Mornington Peninsula. Picture: Visit Victoria

Indian tourism is also booming, and the subcontinent is expected to be ­Victoria’s second most valuable tourism market by 2023.

Federation Square, the Queen ­Victoria Market and Southbank top the list of Melbourne’s hottest tourist spots, while the Great Ocean Rd and Mornington Peninsula stood strong as the state’s most visited ­regional destinations.

The 12 Apostles and ­surrounding coastline attracted more than 2.5 million visitors in 2017.

Other out-of-town favourites including Sovereign Hill, Phillip Island, Bendigo and the Yarra Valley.

Visit Victoria CEO Peter Bingeman said “nature-based tourism” was the next big thing.

“Tourism in Victoria has changed dramatically in recent years, becoming much more focused on experience,” Mr Bingeman said.

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