Visitor spending in the Shoalhaven has seen record growth over the past five years, according to the latest data released by the Australian Government.
The latest economic data available through the Australia Business Register (ABR) shows 85.5 per cent of the Shoalhaven's 8,117 businesses are either sole traders or employ less than four people, and 5,000 jobs are reliant on tourism.
"Tourism brings a boost to our local economy each year, supporting thousands of local businesses and jobs. The contribution of visitors is important in ensuring our towns and villages thrive throughout the year," said Tourism Marketing Specialist, Kristy Mayhew.
"When visitors are here in summer, Council's focus is to educate visitors on being a Conscious Traveller, disperse them throughout the region via the 100 Beach Challenge, which has just re-launched as a personality quiz, and encourage increased spending with the new Shoalhaven Travel Guide.
"As we welcome thousands of people to our beautiful region over the summer months, we can feel proud that we live in one of the most stunning and sought after holiday areas," said Ms Mayhew.
Tourism Research Australia's (TRA) National and Internation Visitor Survey from June 2019 – 2024 reveals the spend by visitors to the region has grown by 94 per cent, injecting $1.42 billion into the local economy each year.
The growth in the visitor economy comes at a time when the annual spend by locals has decreased by 22 per cent, according to transaction data from VISA cards collected by Localis Data Company.
According to the TRA statistics, there has been a 65 per cent growth in visitors staying overnight in the region during the cooler months, or 'off- season', compared with a five per cent increase in nights stayed during peak season over the past 10 years.
