Scenic World welcomed its one millionth visitor for the operating year over the weekend.
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.
Father of three, Alan Parkinson, said the experience made the weekend extra special for his wife and visiting relatives.
"We’ve come here so many times as a family, and to be the millionth visitor when we’re with our family visiting from Thailand is unbelievable."
The milestone – which was achieved during the Scenic World operating year from June 2016 to May 2017 – follows growth of over 25 per cent in visitor numbers since the 2013-14 financial year, led by strong growth in both domestic and international markets.
Domestic visitation has increased more than 40 per cent over the past three years, while Chinese visitation jumped over 47 per cent, and the group’s market saw a 21 per cent 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.
“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,” she said.
It also marks a positive sign for the local economy, with benefits including employment opportunities, increased visitor expenditure, and more overnight stays.
“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,” Ms Hammon said.
“It also fuels our enthusiasm to give back to the local community which we’re so proud to be a part of,” she said, adding that Scenic World is again looking forward to 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 the Sculpture at Scenic World 2017 exhibition which was seen by over 108,000 visitors, Ms Hammon attributed the growth in visitation to Scenic World’s 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.
