The top holiday hotspots where Aussies spent up big and businesses benefited
The summer spending spike is estimated to be worth an additional $84m to local economies
Lorne, Lakes Entrance, St Helens, Swansea and Jervis Bay were among the beach towns to record the biggest summer spending surge, with a two-week spike contributing an additional $84m to local economies.
Summer-loving Aussies are fuelling a boon for local businesses, with an 80 per cent spending surge recorded across key tourism hotspots.
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The summer spending spike is estimated to be worth an additional $84m to local economies, according to new NAB analysis, as Australians took the opportunity to hit the road, holiday domestically and dine out in recent weeks.
NAB Executive, Metro and Specialised Business Julie Rynski said Australia’s tourism sector hit its stride in summer and, in turn, provided a boost for local businesses across the country.
“Millions of Aussies are in holiday mode and enjoying a well-deserved break. The mass exodus from capital cities to holiday hotspots is crucial for smaller, local economies,” Ms Rynski said.
“While visitors enjoy beach days and summer reads, business owners in these areas are often at their busiest as the population of holiday hotspots swell. This peak period contributes to much of their annual turnover as the increases in accommodation, hospitality and service station spending show.
“Accommodation had the biggest increase in spending in Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria, with spend up more than 600 per cent over two weeks, while Margaret River in southern Western Australia has seen a 786 per cent rise in retail sales.”
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Robert Bartlett, founder and head distiller at NAB customer Jervis Bay Distilling Co, said the summer holidays were always a highlight for the local business community.
“Summer is by far our busiest season. Locals and visitors alike flock to the cellar door, and orders from local venues really spike,” Mr Bartlett said.
“We bring on extra hands and pull together as a team to keep up with demand. There’s such a great energy in town – people are relaxed, happy and enjoying themselves.
“It’s a buzz to be part of their holiday, and we love helping create those great summer memories.”
