The latest visitor numbers for the Mornington Peninsula, released by Tourism Research Australia on September 25, 2024, reveal a significant growth in both daytrippers and overnight stays, reaffirming the region's position as the number one visited destination in regional Victoria.
Visitor Highlights:
- Total Visitors: 8.274 million, contributing $1.8 billion in direct expenditure.
- Daytrippers: There were 6.1 million visitors, a 2% increase year over year and a 1% increase compared to pre-COVID levels.
- Overnight Visitors: 2 million, representing a 13% growth from last year and 2% higher than pre-pandemic figures.
- Spend per visitor: $1.8B, representing a 2% growth from last year and 49% higher than pre-pandemic fisgures.
These numbers highlight the continued recovery and growth of tourism in the region. Domestic visitors stay an average of 2.5 days, while international visitors—making a welcome return—spend an average of 18.6 days per visit.
This is also the first time international visitor spending has been recorded since pre-COVID, with the average international tourist spending $1,047 per visit in the region.
Angela Cleland, CEO of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, noted, "The growth in overnight stays, coupled with the return of international visitors, is a strong indicator of the region's enduring appeal. While these numbers reflect data from three months ago, the positive trend is a testament to our region’s resilience and the collective efforts of our tourism operators."
Despite the lag in data reflecting current conditions, the Mornington Peninsula continues to lead the state as the most visited regional destination, holding a significant share of Victoria's tourism market.
Please visit here for more detailed visitor statistics.