Thousands flock to the Coast over summer says Council report

Many thousands of holidaymakers and day trippers flocked to the Central Coast over the Summer months, reinforcing its standing as a tourist hotspot.

Picture-perfect weather since December has seen hordes of people enjoy the region’s beaches, national parks, walking trails, sporting, events, trips to the theatre or art gallery and tourist attractions.

Central Coast Council says more than $1B was injected in the year to June 2022, with millions more expected as a direct result of the Christmas/ New Year period. With more than 5000 people directly employed by the region’s tourism industry and many more in supporting local businesses the increased visitation was a welcome boost to many parts of the local economy.

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said almost 40,000 people attended Council events over Christmas including New Year’s Eve at The Entrance, Australia Day Community Day in Gosford, and a social spaces event across town centres.

“Council also supported events that were funded externally, 41 businesses got into the spirit of Christmas signing up for the window display competition, while our temporary visitor centre at The

Entrance was kept exceptionally busy over Christmas and New Year with more than 100 people a day utilising the service,” she said.

Council Administrator Rik

Hart said that the healthy visitation numbers haven’t compromised the focus on eco-tourism and is anticipating that Council’s events program for 2023 will encourage visitors was calling on the Federal Government to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by at least 50 per cent and fix the payment so that the people who need help most can get it.

“Most importantly, we need a long-term commitment to build social housing,” she said.

“Today’s numbers show that spending on social housing is falling.

“If they’re going to fix the housing crisis, the Federal Government is going to have to step up and build the social and affordable rentals that people need.”

Source:

Media release Feb 24

Everybody’s Home sustainable destinations, and I think this trend is also reflected here on the Central Coast with visitors enjoying our many ecocertified experiences and natural assets,” he said. to continue to enjoy the Central Coast.

“Pleasingly this year, we’ve also started to see the return of international visitors which will benefit local businesses and our economy.

“There has been a shift in attitude in recent years with people making conscious decisions to travel to more

“With events such as the Harvest Festival, Central Coast Music Festival and the Lakes Festival holding a special place in the hearts of the community and visitors who have a passion for those interests, 2023 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for local tourism.”

Source: Media release, Feb 13 Central Coast Council