THE mayors of Albury and Wodonga came together last night to launch a new visitors guide for the region at the same time the Albury Council announced the number of domestic overnight visitors to the city had risen by almost 14 per cent last year.
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The tourism figures are good news for Albury with more visitors taking day trips to the city and contributing about $218.3 million to its economy annually.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack says more than 475,000 domestic overnight visitors are the backbone of the city’s tourism industry and the council should be aiming to encourage them to return to Albury and to stay longer.
Almost half of these visitors are visiting friends and relatives, while others are visiting for a holiday or to enjoy local leisure activities.
But what was is significant is that the visitors spent an average $157 a night last year, with a total spend of $209.4 million, compared with $145 million in 2012.
There were more than 21,000 overseas visitors to Albury last year, an increase of 18 per cent.
Those who live here are well aware of why it’s a great place to spend some time and it seems the message is also clear to those who would consider it for a visit.