Tourism a strong driver in economic prosperity

The latest data shows Albury Wodonga’s tourism sector has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels with the economic impact once again tipping over the $1 billion mark.

The total economic impact of tourism to the Albury Wodonga economy was $1.157 billion in 2022, an increase of 96% on the previous year and a 15% increase from 2019.

Domestic overnight visitors to Albury Wodonga increased by 106%, representing an almost $505 million injection into the local economy – a $323.5 million boost on the previous year. Domestic day visitors also increased by 20% compared to the previous year, representing a $140 million positive impact to the economy.

The growth in domestic overnight visits to Albury Wodonga is backed by an increase of average daily expenditure of $263 per trip, up from $187 on the previous year reflecting the growing appeal of the region to visitors.

The data is contained in the Albury Wodonga Visitor Economy Trends Report 2022, developed as part of the cross-border Visit Albury Wodonga partnership of AlburyCity and Wodonga Council.

Visitors are also increasingly engaging with online platforms both before and during their visits, with almost 252,000 visitors to the Visit Albury Wodonga website, an increase of 39.5% year on year.

Marketing activity conducted by the Visit Albury Wodonga team drove 330,000 monthly online searches for Albury Wodonga, showing the partnership continues to increase our region’s prominence in traveller’s consideration list.

Albury Mayor Kylie King said the results show tourism continues to be a significant contributor to the success of the Albury Wodonga economy.

“The Report answers important questions such as the number and type of visitors to Albury Wodonga, and allows us to track key trends, audiences and activities. This gives us valuable insights so that we can continue to develop targeted campaigns to promote our region to travellers,” Mayor King said.

“It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from our overnight visitors, who are arriving in droves to enjoy our exemplary food and wine, wide variety of events, and our wonderful natural attractions such as the Murray River and Lake Hume.”

“We have continued to work closely with our tourism partners through the Visit Albury Wodonga Tourism Partner Program, to ensure that Albury Wodonga continues to offer travellers a special and unique experience.”

Wodonga Mayor Ron Mildren said while events continue to be a drawcard for Albury Wodonga, short stay industry executives was also a significant contributor to the economy.

“Major events in 2022 included Red Hot Summer Tour, Big Bash Cricket, AURORA Luna Light Journey, Albury and Wodonga gold cups, and North East Food and Wine Festival as well as several major sporting events across different codes. Additionally, both cities host an array of community events that add great value to the liveability and social fabric of the region,” Cr Mildren said.

“The Report is an important exercise in consolidating the value of the visitor economy to the region, which is important for both investor and consumer confidence. The visitor economy ultimately benefits everyone in our community, and through the Visit Albury Wodonga partnership we look forward to continuing to develop and grow.”

Year in Review – Key highlights

Tourism injected more than $1.157 billion into the Albury Wodonga economy during 2022 – an increase of 96% from the previous year. At its peak in 2019 (pre COVID-19), tourism injected $1 billion into the local economy, which represents a 15% increase Domestic overnight visitors increased by 106% during the past year, representing 800,000 visitor trips in 2022 Domestic day visitors increased by 149,000 during 2022 to 876,000 representing a 20% increase on the previous year Visit Albury Wodonga marketing activities drove 330,000 monthly online searches for Albury Wodonga 252,000 visitor groups and individual enquiries were serviced through the Visit Albury Wodonga website, walk-in visitors to the Albury Visitor Information Centre, phone, and email, representing a 32% increase on the previous year Negotiated 19 successful business event and conference bids with and economic impact of $1.49 million* Visit Albury Wodonga’s Facebook and Instagram followers increased by 12% on the previous year

* Data is collected from business event and conferences that are secured by the Visit Albury Wodonga team. It does not include all business events and conferences held in Albury Wodonga.

A full copy of the Albury Wodonga Visitor Economy Trends Report can be viewed on the Visit Albury Wodonga website.