Wagga has been named among the top three shires in the region for visitors during 2009, with overall growth of 15 per cent reported across the Riverina for the year.

Chair of Riverina Regional Tourism, Ken Murphy, said the results were particularly pleasing given the “challenging environment” for tourism in recent years.

He said not only had visitor numbers improved, but tourists were also spending more during their stay, with the annual figure rising from $268 million in 2008 to $306 million in 2009.

“What’s more, this has been the third quarter in a row that the Riverina in particular has achieved growth in visitation,” Mr Murphy said.

“This is a promising trend, particularly in light of negative growth results previously reported across NSW as a whole.”

The increase has been attributed to strong promotion of local events and promotional activities on a regional and national level.

More families are choosing to holiday within Australia, with camping and caravanning holidays growing in popularity.

Thirteen per cent of visitors stayed at a holiday park in 2009, compared to 8 per cent in 2008.

Day trips to the Riverina have also increased by 0.8 per cent, despite a drop of 8. 2 per cent in day trips nationally.