Dubbo Regional Council’s Tourism Market Report shows a continuation of high visitor numbers across the Dubbo Region in September 2022, which included the first week of NSW school holidays.
Visitor numbers and accommodation occupancy rates were significantly higher than in September 2021 when NSW was in a state-wide Covid-19 lockdown, with attractions closed during this time and accommodation operators only allowing essential services workers to stay overnight.
The 4-year average taken from monthly data from 2019 to 2022 has increased overall, with the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience now included in this statistic since opening its doors to the public in September 2019.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Councillor Mathew Dickerson is pleased with the latest visitor economy numbers: “Attractions and accommodation operators have once again recorded high visitation numbers in September. The Western Plains Cultural Centre which hosted the Dubbo Art Fair early in the month recorded a 79% increase, and the Wellington Caves saw an outstanding 99% increase, despite limited tour capacity due to adverse weather impacts, when compared to the 4-year average,” he said.
“The increased 4-year average shows positive and sustained growth more so than a year-on-year statistic, particularly given the Covid-19 lockdowns in the past two years. About four years ago, we started to see some relief from years of drought which had negatively impacted the visitor economy,” Councillor Dickerson said.
Visitor numbers at the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience have been climbing over the years and the facility recorded a 71% higher visitation in September than the 4-year average.
Surveyed accommodation operators across the region demonstrated an average occupancy rate of 79% in September which can be partly attributed to the overall influx in travellers and growing number of events which attracted large crowds of spectators and participants.
Visitor Information Team Leader Jane Bendall welcomes the increase in visitors to the region. “After a significantly impacted two years, it’s a positive change to have spring events back in full swing and attracting big numbers to our region. In September, local events including the Wellington Arts and Sculpture Festival, the Orana Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Fish Show and sporting events like the Group XI Grand Final and Dubbo Waratahs Rugby League Knockout attracted over 14,000 attendees.”
“It is great to see so many travellers experiencing what the Dubbo Region has to offer, and dropping in to see us at the Visitor Information Centres in Dubbo and Wellington to pick up a visitor guide, purchase some souvenirs or local produce and seek assistance with ticket bookings,” Ms Bendall said.
