Visitation Survey Report Summer 2018/19

VICTORIAN ALPINE RESORTS VISITATION SURVEY REPORT SUMMER 2018/19 Authorised and published by the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Copyright.

ISSN 978-1-74287-645-0 (online)

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Acknowledgements Photo Credit: Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Report: Prepared by Shanaugh Lyon, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Chairperson’s Foreword

I am pleased to present the 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report, for the period November 2018 to April 2019, produced by the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council as part of its on-going research and survey program. The survey indicated that almost 454,000 people visited the Victorian alpine resorts in 2018/19 during the period November 2018 to April 2019. This is an increase from the previous year of: - 2.3 per cent increase in vehicle numbers; and - 4 per cent increase in visitor numbers Whilst the figures show that there continues to be annual variation it is particularly pleasing to see that visitation growth over the summer period is continuing to trend upwards, on average by 3.1 per cent per annum since occupancy surveys commenced in 2008/09. This report provides consistent measurement and greater understanding of summer visitation, which is important to decision making and policy development to grow year round use of alpine resorts. Visitation to the alpine resorts provides significant economic benefits to the regions and the State, demonstrated by Victorian Resorts Economic Contribution Study by Ernst & Young. On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all Victorian Alpine Resort Management Boards and staff for their ongoing support of this project. Without their assistance to undertake the vehicle and occupancy counts, this report would not have been possible. I trust you find the extensive statistics, charts and other data useful in understanding the visitation patterns to Victorian alpine resorts over the 2018/19 summer period.

Arianne Rose Chairperson

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Executive Summary

The 2018/19 summer visitation survey, conducted at all Physical counts of the number of occupants per vehicle Victoria Alpine Resorts from Melbourne Cup Weekend and the purpose of the visit were conducted by Boards until Anzac Day, found that 219,246 vehicles visited the on several days during the survey period. From this data resorts. This was an increase of 2.3 per cent, or it is estimated that almost 454,000 people visited the approximately 5,000 vehicles, compared to the previous resorts in 2018/19. This is an increase of 4.1 per cent, or year’s result. around 18,000 visitors compared to the previous year. The Council and Boards have now been conducting such Notwithstanding, annual visitation growth remains surveys for 11 years. They show that over that period, positive, averaging 3.1 per cent per annum since visitation has generally been trending upwards across occupancy surveys commenced in 2008/09. resorts, notwithstanding that there has been some variability, perhaps due to events beyond the control of Detailed analysis also shows that there is a difference in resorts, such as large scale fire events in some years. visitation characteristics between weekend/holiday Over the decade, the All Resorts results show an annual periods and weekdays, with vehicle occupancy being trend increase in vehicle numbers of 3.2 per cent. higher for weekend/holiday periods than for weekdays. However, this increase is not evenly spread across all Resort staff and resident traffic remains considerable resorts. higher on weekdays. As with previous years, there is a correlation between Ernst & Young (EY) continue to provide estimates for vehicle numbers, holiday periods and on-mountain Victoria on the economic contribution of the summer events. The surveys show that for most resorts, peak season. Considering seasonal visitation and changes in vehicle counts appear to coincide with school holidays economic conditions, EY has estimated the 2018/19 and/or long weekends. The staging of major on-mountain summer season contributed just over $146 million to the events coincident with these key holiday times results in Victorian economy. This level of expenditure resulted in a an additional increase in recorded vehicle numbers. The contribution to total Victorian employment in annual survey results also show that the staging of events equivalent terms of 1,426 jobs; both direct and indirect. outside of holiday times can result in significant increases in visitation compared to non-event, non-holiday weekends. Mt Hotham continues to see large numbers of vehicles visiting and/or passing through the resort. This indicates the tourism significance and popularity of the Great Alpine Road as a regional touring route and as a link between north-eastern Victoria and Gippsland. Mt Stirling saw an increase in vehicles also this year whereas Lake Mountain showed a significant decrease of around 8,500 vehicles and Mt Baw Baw a decrease compared to last year.

iii Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Contents

Chairperson’s Foreword ...... i

Executive Summary ...... iii

1. Background ...... 1

2. Methodology ...... 2

3. Vehicle Survey – Season Results ...... 4

4. Vehicle Survey – Weekly Results ...... 6

5. Visitor Survey Results ...... 11

6. Economic Contribution ...... 15

APPENDIX 1: Sources ...... 16

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

1. Background

1.1 The Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council (the summer vehicle numbers, with spot occupancy counts ‘Council’) is a statutory body established under the Alpine introduced during the 2008/09 summer season survey to Resorts (Management) Act 1997. It reports to the Hon Lily better estimate the number of visitors introduced. D'Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and 1.5 Consistent measurement of summer visitation is Climate Change. Council performs a co-ordinating critical to the assessment of the success of actions taken function across alpine resorts, focused on: strategic to increase use of alpine resorts outside of the winter positioning, co-ordination, knowledge and understanding, season. Vehicle counts provide the most accurate means attraction of investment and overall promotion of resorts. of determining visitation. It also provides advice to the Minister on a wide range of alpine resort issues. 1.6 The 2018/19 summer survey builds on the consistent methodology and timing used for previous 1.2 Information on visitation to alpine resorts, both summer surveys. during the winter season and outside the winter season, is important for a wide range of planning purposes including the determination of economic significance. Ski lift companies, accommodation providers, retailers, suppliers, Alpine Resort Management Boards (‘Boards’), as well as various service providers and government agencies, all make use of this information. 1.3 Visitation during the winter season has been recorded in a systematic way for many years and is now published by the Council on a regular basis. 1.4 Historically, recording of summer visitation to alpine resorts has proven to be more challenging. Since 2007/08, Council and Boards have conducted a survey of

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

2. Methodology

Vehicle Counts 2.1 Since the 2007/08 summer season, automatic Mount Baw Baw counters have been permanently installed on the access 2.6 The Board has a counter at the entry to the roads to each Victorian Alpine Resort. Loops buried in village. Incomplete historical records are available for the roads detect passing axles, from which an estimate of some years back to 2000. In 2018/19 counter was vehicles is determined. operational for the whole of the survey period apart from 2.2 The summer survey is undertaken from early 9 days during mid-February, the figures for this period November until late April, i.e. to cover the period from were recorded as an average of the January to March Melbourne Cup Day until Anzac Day. The survey figures. procedures provide for vehicle count information to be Mount Buller collected by Boards on a weekly basis. 2.7 The Board has recorded vehicle count 2.3 The methodologies employed to analyse the information for all inbound and outbound lanes at the results at each Alpine Resort are set out below. Mirimbah entry station since 2001. For the purposes of Falls Creek this report, the vehicle count used is the average of the inbound and outbound counts to better estimate weekly 2.4 The Board has recorded vehicle count visitation. The counter was operational for the whole of information for all inbound lanes and the outbound lane the survey period. at Howman’s Gap entry station since 1994. For reports prior to the 2011/12 summer season, the vehicle counts of Mount Hotham all inbound lanes were used. Following the completion of 2.8 The Board uses a ground loop based counter to the sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road, a greater measure traffic entering and leaving the resort at the number of vehicles now enter the resort from the Omeo resort boundary. These are located at Buckland Gap and direction. Consequently, since 2011/12 the outbound lane Mother Johnson’s, and replace the old counters that were vehicle counts have been used to better capture vehicles located at the Tunnel and Bus Depot. The Great Alpine entering the resort from Omeo. In 2018/19 counter was Road is a well-used through road with visitors entering operational for the whole of the survey period. the resort from both directions, thus the vehicle counts Lake Mountain from the inbound lanes of both counters have been summed for this report. As the village straddles the Great 2.5 The Board has a counter at the entry gate that Alpine Road and has multiple entry points it is difficult to has recorded the number of vehicles entering the resort determine whether visiting vehicles are stopping in, or since 1997. The counter was destroyed during the travelling through, the resort. For the purposes of this February 2009 bushfires and subsequently re-instated. In report it is assumed that all vehicles counted visited the 2018/19 counter was operational for the whole of the resort. The counter was operational for the whole of the survey period. During the week leading up to the Labour survey period. It should be noted that due to the ongoing Day weekend the resort was closed due to bushfires. poor surface and loose gravel on the Great Alpine Road During the last week in March trails were closed due to this summer the resort has seen a significant reduction in gale force winds. These closures had an impact on the motorcycles and cyclists compared to previous summers. visitor numbers during these periods. These won’t be reflected in the traffic counts as the electronic vehicle counters do not detect bicycles.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Mount Stirling 2.9 The Board recorded vehicle count information Visitor Counts for the inbound and outbound lanes of the Mount Stirling Road at the Mirimbah entry station. During the survey 2.10 To provide an estimate of the number of visitors period 49 per cent of recorded vehicle movements were to resorts, Boards were requested to conduct a physical on the inbound land of the Mount Stirling Road at the count of the number of visitors per vehicle on four Mirimbah entry station, with 51 per cent on the outbound selected days during the survey period. The days were lane. Some of the vehicles recorded will have passed chosen to cover school holiday, non-school holiday and through the resort on one-way trips, both to or from public holiday periods. The intention was to record the destinations beyond the Mount Stirling Alpine Resort, and number of visitors, purpose of visit and origin of visitors other vehicles recorded will have entered and exited the for each vehicle that entered the resort on the selected resort through the entry station. The counter was days. Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mt Buller and Mt operational for the whole of the survey period. Hotham also recorded the number of road cyclists.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

3. Vehicle Survey–

Season Results

3.1 Summary results for vehicle counts during the 3.3 The higher figures at Mt Hotham reflect the period November 2018 – April 2019 (Melbourne Cup volume of visitor through traffic using the Great Alpine Weekend – Anzac Day Weekend), for individual alpine Road. To a lesser extent, Falls Creek and Mt Stirling also resort and the combined figure for All Resorts, are shown service through traffic. in Table 3.1. 3.4 The survey shows that there is a marked 3.2 During the survey period, a total of 219,246 variation in the vehicle counts on a weekly basis during vehicles were recorded visiting all the resorts. the summer season at all alpine resorts.

Table 3.1: 2018/19 Vehicle Count Totals.

WEEKLY VEHICLE COUNT Lake November 2018 - April 2019 Falls Creek Mt Baw Baw Mt Buller Mt Hotham Mt Stirling All Resorts Mountain Total Summer Vehicles 46,084 12,015 10,949 39,606 96,669 13,923 219,246 Average Weekly Vehicles 1,725 474 408 1,584 2,992 536 _ Minimum Weekly Vehicles 1,039 92 68 905 2,161 258 _ Maximum Weekly Vehicles 3,041 1,002 934 3,000 7,719 1,164 _

3.5 Table 3.2 compares the 2018/19 summer Baw a decrease of around 15 per cent. The vehicle counts at each resort with the previous year’s Gippsland bushfires in January-March had a heavy results. impact on visitor numbers to Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw. It has come to our attention that caution 3.6 The table shows an increase in total vehicles should be taken in interpreting the Lake Mountain of 2.3 per cent in 2018/19 compared to the previous vehicle count for 2017/18 as there may be some summer, with all resorts experiencing an increase in discrepancies in the data collected and are unable to vehicles except for Lake Mountain which showed a be quantified at this stage. significant decrease of around 42 per cent and Mt Baw

Table 3.2: Vehicle Count Change – Compared to Previous Year

ANNUAL CHANGE % Lake Falls Creek Mt Baw Baw Mt Buller Mt Hotham Mt Stirling All Resorts Mountain 2018/19 (Nov - Apr) 46,084 12,015 10,949 39,606 96,669 13,923 219,246

2017/18 (Nov - Apr) 44,953 20,591 * 12,943 36,544 86,940 12,354 214,324 Percentage Change 2018/19 - 2017/18 2.5% -41.6% -15.4% 8.4% 11.2% 12.7% 2.3% Note: * Caution should be taken in interpreting the Lake Mountain result for 2017/18 due to some discrepancies in data collected.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

3.7 Vehicle counts from 2007/08 for each alpine upward at Mt Hotham and noticeably higher for Falls resort and for All Resorts are shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2, Creek over the past three years. below. 3.9 Importantly, Figure 3.2 shows that for all resorts, 3.8 Figure 3.1 shows that there is some variability at vehicle numbers have generally been trending upwards, individual resorts, with longer-term trends noticeably with a 3.2 per cent average annual increase since 2007/08.

Figure 3.1: Vehicle Counts – Individual Alpine Resorts

Figure 3.2: Vehicle Counts – All Resorts

220,000 200,000 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 All Resorts 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

4. Vehicle Survey–

Weekly Results

4.1 Figures 4.1 to 4.6, below, show weekly vehicle holiday times, results in an increase in recorded vehicle numbers to the six Victorian Alpine Resorts during the numbers. survey period. Figure 4.7 shows aggregated vehicle 4.3 The survey results also show significant counts for the six alpine resorts. The shaded sections increases in visitation in some weeks outside of holiday represent Victorian school and public holidays. periods. In most cases these increases can be attributed 4.2 As was evident in past surveys, there is a strong to the staging of on-mountain events. correlation between vehicle numbers, holiday periods and 4.4 In addition, all resort programs, the 7 Peaks Ride on-mountain events. For most resorts, peak vehicle Alpine Ascent Challenge (cycling) and the 7 Peaks Trail counts appear to coincide with school holidays and/or Running Challenge act as incentives to attract additional long weekends; traditional holiday times in which summer visitation. A summary of some of the on- Victorians travel. There are significant increases in the mountain events at the individual resorts is detailed at the number of vehicles during Christmas / New Year, end of this section. Australia Day, Labour Day and Easter periods. The staging of on-mountain events coincident with these key

Figure 4.1: Falls Creek Summer Vehicles 2018/19

7 Peaks Alpine Ascent 26 October 2018 – 28 April 2019; 7 Peaks Trail Running October – May; MTB Season Opening 17-18 November; National Fly Fishing Championships 22-25 November; Alpine Challenge – Ultra Marathon 24-26 November; MTBA Gravity Enduro Cup 24-25 November; MTB Interschools 30 November; Carols by Candlelight 24 December; Dragon Boat Regatta 26 January; Alpine Quest 24-27 January; MTB De Femme 9-10 February; Peaks Challenge 10 March; Regional Longest Lunch 15 March; Victorian Enduro Tour 30-31 March; Easter Festival 19-22 April; Dawn ANZAC Service 25 April.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Figure 4.2: Lake Mountain Summer Vehicles 2018/19

Events: Great Tarmac Rally 13-14 October 2018; Wildflower Festival Nov - Dec; School Holiday Adventure Activities 27 December – 25 January; Wild Horses Music Festival 7-8 December; Gay Times 15-17 February; Cascades Trail Mountain Bike Launch 23 February; Sprint Car Rally 23-24 March; 7 Peaks Ride challenge October – April.

Figure 4.3: Mount Baw Baw Summer Vehicles 2018/19

Events: Mountain Bike Trail 24 November 2018; Launch of Summer of Sport 22 December; Australia Day Activities 26-28 January; Trail bike 2-3 February; Zoos Victoria Conference 10-12 February; Victorian Downhill MTB series 16-17 February; Baw Baw Sprint (Tarmac Rally) 23-24 February; Baw Baw Trail Festival 2-3 March/Audax Bike Ride 2 March; Music Festival 15 March; Baw Baw Cycling Classic 6-7 April; Easter Activities 19-22 April.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Figure 4.4: Mount Buller Summer Vehicles 2018/19

Events: Targa High Country 9-11 November 2018; Summer Season Launch 1-2 December; Shimano Enduro Asia Pacific Continental Series 1-2 December; Vic Downhill Mountain Bike Series 19-20 January; Chamber Music Concert 25-26 January; Oscars 100 Hut to Hut 15-17 February; Mind Body Bike Women's Weekend 15-17 February; Shimano Bike Buller MTB Festival 9 - 11 March; Picnic in the Park 10 March; Mansfield Tour 17 March; Mt Buller Sky Run 7 April; Easter at Mt Buller Activities 19-22 April; Mountain High Fun Run 20 April;

Figure 4.5: Mount Hotham Summer Vehicles 2018/19

7 Peaks Ride 26 October 2018 to 28 April 2019; 7 Peaks Run October to April; Razorback Run 16 March; Alpine Challenge 24-26 November; 4WD weekend with Arrabri Ski Club 16- 18 November; Arrabri Advanced 4WD Weekend 1-3 March; High Country and Beyond - 4WD Tagalong event to Dargo 16 - 24 March; Peaks Challenge 10 March.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Figure 4.6: Mount Stirling Summer Vehicles 2018/19

Events: None held during the survey period.

Figure 4.7: All Resorts Summer Vehicles 2018/19

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

On Mountain Events

Several on-mountain events occur across the Alpine Cascades Trail, Lake Mountain to Marysville (Lake Resorts. Two major events across all Victorian Resorts are Mountain) detailed below along with a handful of the many events Victoria’s newest mountain bike trail descending from the held at the individual resorts, see Fig 4.1 to 4.7 for all top of Lake Mountain down to Marysville officially opened major events listed with the vehicle count graphs. on 23 February 2019. The trail extends for 25km with 7 Peaks Alpine Ascent (All Resorts) 1340m of descending and 420m of climbing. Victoria’s 7 Peaks Alpine Ascent run between October Mount Baw Baw Sprint (Mount Baw Baw) and the end of April is an at-your-own pace cycling The Mount Baw Baw Sprint held in late February is one of challenge across the top of seven Victorian Alpine four vehicle tarmac rallies run across Victoria each year. Resorts. The rides include Dinner Plain; Falls Creek; Mount The Baw Baw Sprint is a multi-staged event taking in Hotham; Mount Buller; Mount Buffalo; Mount Baw Baw around 380km or road and is open to modern and classic and Lake Mountain. A digital passport allows the rider to cars. log each ride with the 7 Peaks App and go in the prize draw. Mount Baw Baw Sprint (Mount Baw Baw) 7 Peaks Trail Running (All Resorts) The Mount Baw Baw Downhill Series Event takes place in February each year and is one of a number of events that Victoria’s 7 Peaks Trail Run is a range of 21 colour-coded take place throughout Victoria. runs covering more than 200km through the 7 Peaks of Victoria throughout October to May. Runs can be Mind, Body, Bike Women’s Weekend (Mount Buller) recorded on the Strava Running App to compare against A weekend in mid-February where ladies take over Mt other runners. There are trails to suit every level of fitness Buller for riding, skills clinics, and a number of health and and experience. wellbeing activities. Alpine Challenge – Ultra Marathon (Falls Creek) Targa High Country (Mount Buller) The Alpine Challenge during late November gives runners A three-day car racing event through Eildon, King Valley, the choice of tackling the 160km, 100km, 60km or 36km Mansfield and Euroa with each leg finishing at Mount course taking in up to 6 major climbs. It is run during Buller. The event has been running for 10 years. challenging weather conditions from intense heat during the day or snowstorms and driving rain to subzero Bright Alpine Climb – 4 Peaks (Mount Hotham) temperatures at night. The Bright Alpine Climb is a 15km running/walking event Dragon Boat Regatta (Falls Creek) held in early November. Starting in Harrietville the staggered start event follows the Ovens River then climbs The annual Mile High Regatta at Falls Creek is the highest steeply up to Bon Accord Spur before reaching dragon boat even in Australia (1600m asl) held at Rocky Razorback before finishing at Diamantina Hut. Valley lake for the past decade. It brings together visitors, residents and dragon boat enthusiasts to compete or join Alpine Raid (Mount Hotham) in the festivities. The Bright Alpine Raid is a two-day, 250km cycling tour Lake Mountain Sprint (Lake Mountain) in later January from Bright over Mt Hotham to Omeo then returning to Bright via Falls Creek. The Alpine Raid is The Lake Mountain Sprint held in late March is one of four one of 8 non-competitive riding routes under the banner vehicle tarmac rallies run across Victoria each year. The of the Alpine Classic catering to around 2,000 riders each Lake Mountain Sprint has teams taking on the winding year. forest road from the base of Marysville all the way to Lake Mountain on day one, then onto Cumberland Junction on day two.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

5. Visitor Survey Results

Visitor Numbers resort basis, where available. In the case of Mt Baw Baw, only occupancy counts on weekends were available as 5.1 To estimate of the number of visitors to resorts, the raw data was not available for the weekday count. Boards conduct physical counts of the number of occupants per vehicle (‘occupancy’), on several days 5.4 Detailed analysis over a number of years has during the survey period. shown a distinct difference in visitation characteristics between weekend/holiday and weekday periods, with 5.2 Results for individual Victorian Alpine Resorts weekend/holiday vehicle occupancy at individual resorts are shown in Table 5.1, below. being up to 50 per cent higher than weekdays at most 5.3 For the purpose of extrapolating visitor numbers resorts. for the 2018/19 summer survey period, the average occupancy rates calculated from the survey results for weekend/holiday periods were applied on a resort-by-

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Table 5.1: Visitor Numbers for 2018/19 Survey Period – Individual Resorts

Weekends/ Falls Creek Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 23,554 22,530 46,084 Occupancy 1 2.2 1.9 2.1 Total Visitors 2 51,910 43,227 95,137 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles 3% 18% 10%

Weekends/ Lake Mountain Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 6,141 5,874 12,015 Occupancy 1 1.8 1.6 1.7 Total Visitors 2 11,074 9,470 20,544 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles 10% 2% 6%

Weekends/ Mt Baw Baw Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 5,596 5,353 10,949 Occupancy 1 3.1 3.1 3.1 Total Visitors 2 17,449 16,690 34,139 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles4 5% ------

Weekends/ Mt Buller Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 20,243 19,363 39,606 Occupancy 1 2.5 2.0 2.3 Total Visitors 2 51,354 38,143 89,497 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles 11% 36% 23%

Weekends/ Mt Hotham Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 49,409 47,260 96,669 Occupancy 1 1.8 1.7 1.8 Total Visitors 2 90,482 80,891 171,373 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles 4% 18% 11%

Weekends/ Mt Stirling Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 7,116 6,807 13,923 Occupancy 1 3.1 3.1 3.1 Total Visitors 2 21,948 21,337 43,285 Proportion of Staff/Contractor Vehicles 4% 8% 6% Notes: 1. The vehicle 'occupancy' figure obtained from the selected days physical counts has been applied to the full survey period vehicle count to calculate the number of 'total visitors'. 2. Total visitors for the summer survey period (November to April). 3. Weekend occupancy figures for Baw Baw are used for week day also as data not provided in 2018/19. 4. Week day proportion of staff/contractor vehicles not available for Baw Baw.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

5.5 Estimated aggregated results for all Victorian timing of public holidays (i.e. the day of the week on Alpine Resorts are shown in Table 5.2, below. It is which they fall) on the selected days on which the estimated that total visitation to the Victorian Alpine occupancy surveys were undertaken at individual Resorts over the survey period was approximately alpine resorts. 454,000 visitors. 5.8 Table 5.4, below, shows that visitation in 5.6 Table 5.2 also shows that in 2018/19 2018/19 has increased by 4 per cent compared to the approximately 51 per cent of total visitation occurring previous year. This equates to an increase of around either on weekends or during holiday periods. 18,000 visitors. 5.7 Annual summer visitation to the Victorian 5.9 Table 5.4 also shows that both weekend and Alpine Resorts since 2007/08, split between weekday visitation increased compared to the previous weekends/holidays and week days since 2008/09, is year. This can differ year on year depending on the shown in Table 5.3, below. It shows that both timing of public holidays (i.e. the day of the week on Weekend/Holiday visitation and week day visitation which they fall) and variables in the selected days on are highly variable and increase or decrease which the occupancy surveys are undertaken. independently from each other. This may relate to the

Table 5.2: Visitor Numbers for 2018/19 Survey Period – All Resorts (Aggregated Results)

Weekends/ All Resorts Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Vehicles 112,059 107,187 219,246 Occupancy 1 2.2 2.0 2.1 Total Visitors 2 244,217 209,757 453,974 Weekends/Holidays to Week days proportions 51% 49% 100%

Notes: 1. The vehicle 'occupancy' figure obtained from the selected days physical counts has been applied to the full survey period vehicle count to calculate the number of 'total visitors'. 2. Total visitors for the summer survey period (November to April). Table 5.3: Annual Visitor Numbers to All Resorts 2007/08 – 2018/19

Weekends/ All Resorts Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Visitors 2018/19 244,217 209,757 453,974 No. of Visitors 2017/18 243,324 192,631 435,955 No. of Visitors 2016/17 223,932 211,357 435,289 No. of Visitors 2015/16 248,036 201,912 449,948 No. of Visitors 2014/15 217,110 176,337 393,447 No. of Visitors 2013/14 198,664 160,264 358,927 No. of Visitors 2012/13 199,262 145,468 344,731 No. of Visitors 2011/12 202,159 156,675 358,834 No. of Visitors 2010/11 229,340 146,221 375,561 No. of Visitors 2009/10 206,840 139,388 346,229 No. of Visitors 2008/09 196,735 135,848 332,582 No. of Visitors 2007/08 1 --- 2 --- 2 338,000 Note: 1. Estimate based on vehicle occupancy determined from the selected days physical counts in 2008/09. 2. Not collected. Table 5.4: Visitor Numbers Change – Compared to Previous Year

Weekends/ All Resorts Week Days All Days Holidays No. of Visitors 2018/19 244,217 209,757 453,974 No. of Visitors 2017/18 243,324 192,631 435,955 Percentage Change 0.4% 8.9% 4.1%

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

5.10 Figure 5.1, below, shows annual visitation to such as large-scale fire events in some years, annual All Resorts since occupancy surveys commenced in visitation growth has averaged 3.1 per cent since 2008/09. Whilst there has been some variability, surveys commenced. perhaps due to events beyond the control of resorts,

Figure 5.1: Summer Visitation – All Resorts

Visitor Characteristics 5.13 Increasing numbers of road cyclists are being recorded during weekend/holiday periods, particularly at 5.11 Table 5.1 shows that the proportions of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Lake Mountain. Whilst it is staff/contractor vehicles entering the resorts varies now well-recognised that organised cycling events, such significantly between weekends/holidays (3 - 11 per cent) as the Three Peaks Challenge attract large numbers, the and weekdays (approximately 2 - 36 per cent). This numbers recorded on non-event days suggest that high difference could be expected as during summer, country road cycling is increasing in popularity. The 7 staff/contractors are most likely to visit for work-related Peaks Ride Alpine Ascent Challenge, an all-summer, all purposes on weekdays, whereas people visiting for resorts program, in particular, provides an additional recreation and other purposes are considered more likely incentive for road cycling. to visit during weekend/holiday periods. 5.14 Significant numbers of motorcycles were also 5.12 The survey data also shows that large numbers recorded at both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham and a (approximately 60-70 per cent) of vehicles pass through smaller proportion at Lake Mountain. This reinforces the the Mt Hotham Alpine Resort. This is likely to be a result popularity and importance of the resort access roads as of the important role the Great Alpine Road plays as a touring routes for motorcyclists. regional touring route and as a link between north- eastern Victoria and Gippsland.

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

6. Economic Contribution

6.1 The Victorian alpine resorts generate significant 6.2 Since the original estimates provided by EY for economic activity for the State through the attraction of the 2016/17 summer season, EY has continued to provide Victorian, interstate and international visitors. The estimates on the economic contribution of the summer Victorian Alpine Resorts Economic Contribution Study season to Victoria’s economy. As shown in Table 6.1 the (April 2017) by Ernst & Young (EY) provides estimates of Gross State Product contribution of the 2018/19 summer the economic contribution of the Victorian alpine resorts, season to the Victorian economy is estimated at $146 considering visitation trends and changes in economic million. This level of expenditure would result in a conditions. contribution to total Victorian employment in annual equivalent terms of 1,426 jobs; both direct and indirect.

Table 6.1: Economic significance of the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 summer seasons to the Victorian economy.

PERIOD 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Gross State Product ($ million) 121 134 146

Employment Annual Equivalent (jobs number) 1,205 1,308 1,426

Summer 2018/19 Visitation Survey Report

Appendix 1: Sources

Ernst & Young (April 2017) The Victorian Alpine Resorts Economic Contribution Study 2016.