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In a remarkable shift in travel trends, the Central Coast has sailed into the top 10 Australian destinations, showcasing the country’s renewed love affair with regional retreats.

Sparked by a post-pandemic surge in domestic travel, the Central Coast is now an undeniable jewel in Australia’s tourism crown, with a significant climb in visitor numbers and sustainability accolades.

The latest data by DSpark, commissioned by the eminent Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, reveals a heartening uplift in travel to regional hotspots, with the Central Coast basking in its newfound limelight. A compelling growth of 2% overall post-pandemic and an impressive 6.1% rise in ‘high yield’ visitors aged 30-64 signifies the region’s broadening appeal.

The insights are reinforced by Brett Sherar, Council’s Acting Director of Community and Recreation Services, who heralds the Central Coast as a beacon for intrastate travellers, particularly from the neighbouring metropolis of Sydney. “The ease of access from Sydney positions us uniquely as a regional sanctuary,” Sherar observes.

The allure of the Central Coast extends beyond its sandy stretches and into the emerald embrace of its National Parks. Garnering nearly one in five ‘green-minded’ travellers, Brisbane Water National Park shines as a beacon for eco-conscious visitors, as per the NPWS Park Visitor Survey.

Such ecological endearments culminated in the Central Coast achieving ECO Destination status on World Environment Day in 2022, as declared by Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification program. “This recognition elevates our commitment to sustainable tourism, reflecting a global consciousness in travel,” asserts Sherar.

Council Administrator Rik Hart speaks to the economic vitality engendered by this tourism tide, with the industry funnelling over $1 billion into the local economy, spotlighting the profound impact on businesses and job creation. Destination NSW’s figures echo this sentiment, pinpointing a staggering 5.7 million visitors and a $1.3 billion expenditure in the latest annual roundup.

The upcoming NSW Tourism Awards are keenly anticipated, with the Central Coast Council poised as a finalist, a testament to consistent excellence in promoting local treasures. Recognition also extends to community mainstays such as The Australian Reptile Park and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, whose contributions bolster the region’s reputation as a haven for visitors.

The upcoming Lakes Festival, spanning from Killcare to Budgewoi, promises to be a tapestry of over 30 events, illustrating the Central Coast’s vibrant community spirit and the breadth of experiences.

For a deeper dive into the Central Coast’s offerings, the dedicated portal https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/ is a gateway to the region’s riches. At the same time, the Lakes Festival details can be perused at https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/lakesfestival, ensuring visitors can fully immerse themselves in this radiant regional gem.