AusLeisure

NSW Blue Mountains attraction Scenic World welcomed its one millionth visitor for the operating year over the weekend, marking an exciting milestone for the family-owned business.

Celebrating the landmark occasion, the Parkinson family from Padstow was surprised with a celebratory gift hamper, five star VIP treatment, and a Scenic World Annual Pass as they boarded the Scenic Railway on Saturday morning.

The milestone - which was achieved during the Scenic World operating year from June 2016 to

May 2017 - follows an incredible growth trajectory of over 25% in visitor numbers since the 2013/

14 financial year, led by strong growth in both domestic and international markets.

Domestic visitor numbers havas increased more than 40% over the past three years, while Chinese visitation jumped over 47%, and the groups market saw a 21% increase over the same period.

Scenic World Managing Director Anthea Hammon said the achievement highlighted the appeal of immersive nature-based experiences, and set the tone for a strong future for the local economy.

Hammon stated “as a third generation family owned business which has been operating in Katoomba for over 70 years, it’s promising to see there’s still a healthy appetite for world class nature based attractions as we continue to evolve as a business.”

It also marks a positive sign for the local economy, with benefits including employment pportunities, increased visitor expenditure, and more overnight stays.

Hammon added “reaching one million visitors annually is an incredible milestone not just for Scenic World as a business, but for the entire Blue Mountains community as tourism drives the visitor economy, helping to generate more income for local businesses and provide local job opportunities.

“It also fuels our enthusiasm to give back to the local community which we’re so proud to be a part of.”

Examples of this include Scenic World again sponsoring the Kids Zone at next month’s Winter Magic Festival and later in the year the Blue Mountains Regional Business Chamber ‘Harry Hammon Business of the Year Award’.

Following a successful Sculpture at Scenic World 2017 exhibition which was seen by over 108,000 visitors from 7th April to 7th May, Anthea attributed the growth in visitation to Scenic World’s innovative marketing and events initiatives and a strategic push to attract international visitors.

She also commended the efforts of over 160 local staff for providing outstanding customer service and maintaining a consistently high TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 stars.

Hammon cloncluded “this achievement is a testament to our talented staff who go above and beyond to foster real connections with our visitors.

“Their enthusiasm, vitality and passion to share our backyard with people from across the globe is the key to our success.”

Images: The Parkinson family from Radstow, NSW, Scenic World's one millionth visitors (top) and the beauty of the Blue Mountains at Scenic World (below).

7th April 2017 - SCENIC WORLD ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO RECONNECT

2nd March 2017 - BLUE MOUNTAINS SCULPTURE EXHIBITION RECOGNISED AS A FLAGSHIP TOURISM EVENT

6th July 2016 - REGIONAL TOURISM OVERHAUL TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL OF NSW VISITOR ECONOMY 

24th April 2016 - RECORD NUMBERS VISITING SCULPTURE AT SCENIC WORLD 

17th March 2016 - HONOUR FOR SCENIC WORLD’S ANTHEA HAMMON

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