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Unexpected boost in Australia tourism during Easter

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-16 14:45

CANBERRA -- Australia's Victorian tourism operators reported on Thursday an Easter trading boom despite deepening economic turmoil.

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"Tourism operators in the Murray Region, the High Country, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges and Gippsland all experienced great trade over the weekend which goes a long way to boosting local economies and protecting local jobs," Tourism Minister Tim Holding said.

Holding was quoted by Australian Associated Press as saying that most tourist regions have experienced significant visitor numbers, strong expenditure and low vacancy rates over Easter.

Accommodation in the alpine town of Beechworth, in the state's northeast, was completely booked out, Holding said.

Victoria's bushfire areas have been busy, with some operators enjoying record takings on Easter Sunday, according to Holding.

Victoria's bushfires has destroyed at least 1,800 homes, more than 450,000 hectares burnt out in the bushfires which started on February 7. Tourism industry over the area were believed to be seriously affected by the bushfires.