TOURISM in Mount Gambier remains on the upward trend with two of the region’s premier accommodation spots revealing trade has been strong over recent months.
It comes as research from data revealed an unparalleled growth in 2019 hotel bookings in the South Australian metropolitan region, hitting the highest on record.
The Barn manager, Kent Comley said the numbers seen in Adelaide were in line with what had been experienced in the region in recent months.
“We have seen really strong growth over the last 12 months, which I think has been fuelled by the amount of economic development happening in the region,” he said.
The overall revenue for Adelaide accommodation properties was up 11pc in September and 22pc in October.
Mr Comley said the business had experienced similar accommodation results.
“September was a record for us and we also hit record numbers in October,” he said.
“I think we are continuing to see a benefits of being on the main tourist route between Adelaide and Melbourne.”
Commodore on the Park general manager Tom Kosch said the business had also recorded strong figures despite not reaching the heights of the metropolitan region.
“While we have not experienced the growth seen throughout metropolitan South Australia, we have experienced a strong winter accommodation trade that has been well supported by a steady business trade and growing visitors of the leisure market,” Mr Kosch said.
“Forward bookings for the holiday season are quite healthy and should be well supported by the leisure market that travel between Adelaide and Melbourne throughout the holiday season.
“Mount Gambier and the wider region remains to be a popular and growing destination for families travelling over the holiday period.”
While results were positive, Mr Comley – who is also deputy chair of Tourism Mount Gambier – believes there is still great potential for tourism in Mount Gambier.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg in my opinion, there is some great opportunity to capatilise on in the South East,” he said.
“We have recently improved our digital space in relation to tourism and now we want to develop our tourism products.”
He said the group had a long-term tourism plan, which would focus on promoting the unique natural landscape of the Limestone Coast.
“We are always looking at other regional areas which capitalise on their natural assets through tourism,” he said.
“Places such as Queensland, New Zealand and even the Grand Canyon provide great examples of successful adventure tourism we hope to replicate in Mount Gambier.”
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the success of accommodation in the state followed targeted and timely marketing campaigns during the winter months such as ‘Old Mate’ and ‘Fun’s Changed – It’s Closer than you Think’.
“The aim was to make some noise about South Australia and all the experiences and offerings we have here and to have such a big lift in occupancy and demand to record highs is tremendous news for the sector,” he said.
“We are seeing record volumes for our hoteliers and a lot more activity coming up over summer with sport, festivals, events and conventions.
“We have seen an increase in the interstate and international demographic – it’s a beautiful thing to showcase what is so great about this State to a wider audience.”
