Iconic Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast beaches enjoyed some the largest holiday spends in the country, according to the National Australia Bank.
Analysis of NAB’s merchant terminal data showed an average jump of 130 percent in spend in tourism hotspots across the country over the past fortnight, compared to normal spending patterns.
NAB Business Direct and Small Business Executive Krissie Jones said Burleigh Heads, on the southern Gold Coast, saw a 226 percent increase in accommodation spend while Noosa Heads, at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, had a 131 percent increase.
Ms Jones said the Gold Coast suburb of Broadbeach saw a 157 percent lift in spending on alcohol.
She said Robe (714 percent), in South Australia, saw the biggest jump in spending on hotels, motels and caravan parks in the country, followed by the Victorian holiday town of Lakes Entrance (478 percent).
“This summer, as Australians enjoy their well-deserved break, they’re also continuing to play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and smaller economies that are more reliant on tourism.”
Ms Jones said the data also pointed to the continued popularity of holidaying at home.
She said Australians were making spending decisions to manage the higher cost of living and avoid the recent dip in overseas exchange rates.
