Tourism Australia's latest National Visitors Survey shows nature, adventure and wine are luring more visitors out of major cities and into regional areas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But that is not news to a group of local operators in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven successfully targeting international and domestic travelers.
Bruce Bishop, of Bigfoot Adventures, said the consortium of local businesses lead by Matt Cross, of Dolphin Watch Cruises, is achieving results. It is called Discover Jervis Bay but takes in Symbio Wildlife Park, Nowra Zoo and many restaurants and attractions in several local government areas.
"We've pooled resources and Matt has been driving it pretty hard. Particularly over the last 20 months we have noticed quite a big increase in numbers. Most of them come by bus but the destination is starting to become known to more visitors and we are starting to get more Free Independent Travellers who are overseas visitors as well. They hire a car and tend to spend more".
Mr Bishop said FIT visitors were from all parts of the world including Asia, the UK, US, New Zealand and Europe.
The indigenous word for Coolangatta means splendid view. And the steady growth in travellers wanting to ride Bigfoot through the historic village and vineyard at Coolangatta Estate before ascending to the top of the mountain prompted investment in a second Bigfoot.
"Several times a week we will have large groups arriving by bus that require two vehicles".
With the domestic market the family business has seen an increase in the number of young families arriving to ride Bigfoot.
"We also get the grandparents looking to do a special experience with their grandchildren during the school holidays or on weekends. It is an adventure that all ages can enjoy together which is quite rare. We get a lot of those from the Illawarra and Sydney".
Mr Bishop said the Winter Wine Festival that ran over a decade attracted plenty of interest but it was a victim of its own success by becoming too large to continue in that format. But the benefits will long be felt. He said the great thing about what Mr Cross was doing with group bookings taken by Discover Jervis Bay was the way he individualises packages.
"Obviously the groups don't visit every attraction. Mostly they have a 10 hour window to be in and out of Sydney and will do two attractions and meal stops according to what they want," he said.
Parent company Bishops Adventures, owned by Bruce and Lindy Bishop, also operates in other parts of Australia, North America and Europe.
Many of the overseas activities were identified by Mr and Mrs Bishop while they themselves have been on holiday.
In Canada they were involved with coach touris, in Europe they have chartered canal barges in the Netherlands, cycling tours in the lowlands and walking tours in Italy.
They have also been outback tour operators with 4WD coaches in the Australian Outback, Kimberley region and Cape York.
Read more:
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
