The Island has enjoyed buoyant bookings across its properties in the past 15 months, which has delivered a four per cent year-on-year increase, and just five months on, following the launch of Virgin Australia's direct services from Melbourne, the Island has seen a positive impact with visitor numbers increasing seven per cent in the last quarter compared to the same time last year.
The new route has also seen Victoria become the Island's second largest source market for the first time, after New South Wales.
Phillipa Harrison, general manager of sales said: "It's very pleasing to see the Island achieving these incredibly strong occupancy results. We are now seeing the strongest repeat business ever registered, which is testament to the service and unique offering the Island delivers to guests."
In particular, the Island's luxury award-winning resort qualia, has recorded an extremely busy 12 months as well as strong forward bookings.
In addition, the recently refurbished Premium Palm Bungalows, registered 98 per cent occupancy rates for the month of October and November while the Island's boutique beachfront resort, Beach Club, has continued to achieve consistently high occupancy figures.
"All our properties have been sitting at over 90 per cent occupancy. We really couldn't ask for a better result given our maximum occupancy is capped at 98 per cent. The healthy occupancy figures look set to continue delivering high occupancy in December, so we're looking forward to a very strong performing Christmas period," continued Harrison.
Reinforcing the Island's position as a premier holiday destination, the Island is registering visitor growth from both interstate and international visitors to its selection of luxury properties, fuelled in part by the lowering of the Australian Dollar.
"In terms of our visitor base breakdown, we're currently witnessing 65 per cent domestic versus 35 per cent international for the Island, with individual properties such a qualia experiencing slightly higher international visitors. International business traveller numbers are also continuing to grow particularly from the UK, Europe and China," Harrison said.
"We're also witnessing a huge growth in repeat visitors, particularly at qualia and Beach Club, which is a core objective of our sales and marketing strategy."
