Robert Irwin’s star turn in US boosts searches for Sunshine Coast holidays by Americans

Robert Irwin’s star turn on US reality television has delivered an incredible spike in activity from Americans looking to holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

Robert Irwin’s star turn on US reality television has Sunshine Coast tourism leaders dancing in the streets as American interest in the Queensland holiday hot spot soars.

The son of the legendary Steve Irwin won America’s version of Dancing with the Stars last week – 10 years after his older sister, Bindi, won the same contest.

It has sparked a tourism rush for the Sunshine Coast, the home town of the Irwin clan and their iconic Australia Zoo.

Data from leading travel website Expedia has revealed a 40 per cent spike in activity from Americans looking at Sunshine Coast holidays compared to the same time last year.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson react after being named Dancing With The Stars US champions. (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)

It is an uncannily similar number to the spike revealed by Tourism Research Australia data back in 2015 when Bindi charmed her way into American hearts on Dancing with the Stars.

Australia Zoo and the Sunshine Coast in general were often referenced during the show, creating the kind of exposure money can’t buy in one of the world’s biggest populations.

Expedia senior director Darren Karshagen said Irwin’s “tourism tango” was the latest example of television influencing the hearts and minds of travellers.

“Travellers draw inspiration from many places, but TV shows and movies continue to have a powerful influence,” he said.

American tourists Rebecca Hughes and Dylan Gru at Maroochydore beach on the Sunshine Coast. Picture Lachie Millard

“In fact, Expedia data reveals that over half (53 per cent) of global travellers say TV shows and movies have had an increasing impact on their travel decisions over the past year.

“Robert Irwin’s infectious passion for the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo on Dancing with the Stars has sparked a surge in interest from both Americans and Aussies eager to explore the destination for themselves.”

Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Matt Stoeckel said the increased exposure for the region could only benefit tourism operators in the months and years ahead as inspired Americans plan Queensland holidays.

“As more visitors are inspired to discover his backyard, we can’t wait to welcome them to create their own Sunshine Moments on our stunning beaches, hinterland and everywhere in between,” he said.

Wisconsin’s Dylan Gerue has just started an Australian working holiday on the Sunshine Coast, inspired in part by what he has seen of the Irwins on US television.

“It started with Steve Irwin, but we have seen Bindi and Robert on television over there too and it is definitely helping people connect with the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“When I was telling people that I was coming to Australia, everyone was bringing up the Irwins.

“They have been wonderful for increasing the profile of the region here and really putting it in the minds of a lot of Americans who might not have heard of it before.”

While data recording actual arrivals and hotel stays from Americans on the Sunshine Coast will not be collated for some time, in the months following Bindi’s 2015 Dancing with the Stars win the number of Americans visiting rose by 40 per cent.

Originally published as Robert Irwin’s star turn in US boosts searches for Sunshine Coast holidays by Americans