In the year to June 2018, the region has welcomed 200,316 international visitors - and that’s an increase of 8 per cent from the same time in 2017.

“This is a testament to our local tourism operators and great news for local businesses and the local economy who benefit from every dollar international travellers spend,” Mr Sinodinos said.

“We’ve got some great attractions that span the Hunter region from the prestigious Hunter Valley Wine Country, the beautiful world heritage rainforest in Barrington Tops, and the picturesque Lake Glenbawn in the Upper Hunter.”

The visitor survey results show a record 8.4 million international travellers flocked to our shores over the past year and spent record amounts with travellers injecting $42.5 billion into the local economy. 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham welcomed the outcome, saying more international travellers in the Hunter meant more people in local restaurants, staying in local hotels and visiting local tourist attractions.

“It’s encouraging to see international travellers continue to flock to our shores and enjoy all that our country has to offer,” he said.

“Today’s results are also good news for the Hunter as the more tourists we attract here, the more they contribute to the local economy and the more they spend in local businesses.”

The government continues to deliver record funding to Tourism Australia to help attract more international travellers to our shores as a booming tourist sector helps contribute to a stronger economy and more Australian jobs.

The latest International Visitor Survey results are available at www.tra.gov.au