ORANGE has emerged as one of the Central West’s tourism linchpins as figures revealed the region was one of the most popular destinations in the country among domestic tourists.
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Data released by the Tourism Research Australia showed there was an increase of 13 per cent in total visitors’ nights in the region for the year ending September 2018.
Visitors also spent a record $1.1 billion during their stays – a 16 per cent increase on 2017, while the average expenditure per visitor per night also increased, growing from $139 to $142 in the space of 12 months.
Our region benefits from four distinct seasons and we offer authentic experiences.
- Orange360's Caddie Marshall
Caddie Marshall, general manager of Orange360, said the region has benefited because of all-year-round approach to marketing and events such as the approaching FOOD Week, Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival and the Orange Wine Festival.
“Our strength is in the diversity of our products,” Ms Marshall said.
“Our region benefits from four distinct seasons and we offer authentic experiences.
“When they [tourists] visit for the first time they are often delighted that we have got an awesome coffee culture. We have got wonderful boutique retail and a range of accommodations,” she said.
The report showed the Central West was the 14th most sought-after destination in the country, faring better than the Australian Capital Territory in terms of visitors nights and revenue expenditure.
Ms Marshall said Orange has been inviting media organisations to the city to showcase its diversity and, hopefully, spread the word of its drawcards.
“We are becoming more refined in targeting of our market and speaking to them directly,” she said.
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