Ipswich is home to some of the best experiences Queensland has to offer, and latest figures reveal tourism in the city continues to boom.
Data released from Tourism Research Australia for financial year 2023 to 2024 shows a substantial increase of visitors compared to 2023, with overnight visitors up by 11.4 per cent and day trippers up by 18.1 per cent.
Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said tourism in Ipswich is at its strongest since before COVID-19.
“Tourism is a vital and booming contributor to our $13 billion economy. This year, total visitor expenditure is at the highest level ever reported as visitors contributed a massive $396 million to our city’s economy,” Cr Augustine said.
“People are realising just how much Ipswich has to offer, with stunning scenery in rural towns, art galleries, world-class libraries and incredibly popular school holiday events, attracting almost 2 million visitors for the year ending June 2024.
“Although domestic overnight visits are still below pre-COVID-19 levels, it’s encouraging to see the average length of stays is2.7 nights.
“Council recently announced the Ipswich Hotels Investment Prospectus to inspire hotels to choose Ipswich as their next location, supporting council’s strategy to grow overnight visitation and encourage longer stays in our city.
“Compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, day trips are up to 10 per cent and only 5 per cent below our highest figure recorded.
“It’s wonderful that people are choosing Ipswich as a destination. These strong results come off the back of 47 businesses being awarded Best of Queensland Experience accolades, proving how great tourism in our city is.
“Ipswich is the place to be with incredible attractions for all ages, from the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Ipswich Nature Centre, nature reserves, Spicers Hidden Vale and so much more.
“Next year is set to be a big year, with CMC Rocks Queensland Country Music Festival and Supercars returning, the Queensland Netball State Age Championships and an incredible lineup of Ipswich Festivals and school holiday activities locked in, attracting thousands of visitors from all over.”
To plan a trip to Ipswich, visit http://www.DiscoverIpswich.com.au for inspiration on things to see and do.
Data for tourism in Ipswich can be found here.
