Townsville ramps for tourism growth

20 November
Townsville is stamping its authority as a must-see destination, with an increasing numbers of international tourists visiting the tropical city.

Unlike many other destinations in Queensland, Townsville bucked the trend to record a five percent increase in international visitors.

The city is also enjoying strong domestic growth, with a 29 percent increase in domestic business travellers.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts chief executive, Brett Pointon said Townsville’s variety of attractions, laid-back feel and growing industry offered significant tourism appeal.

“Townsville goes beyond other tropical destinations, as it not only offers reef and beach locations but also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city,” he added.

Over the past three years Townsville has seen some of the strongest tourism growth in Queensland, while attracting a range of major sporting and cultural events including the V8 Supercars, Magnetic Island Race Week, and the continued growth of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.