Visitor spending in the Coromandel grew by 10 per cent and contributed $371 million to the local economy for the 2014-15 financial year.

A Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment report on visitor spending says growth in both domestic and international visitor spend, excluding China, was greater than the increase experienced nationwide.

Visitor spending in the Coromandel contributed $371 million to the local economy for the 2014-15 financial year, A Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment report says. Photo: File

These figures have surpassed the forecasted growth in Destination Coromandel's Annual Report which was presented to the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki district councils on Wednesday.

The regional tourism organisation's annual report predicted growth in the Coromandel prior to the release of the MBIE's latest regional tourism estimates.

Thames-Coromandel mayor Glenn Leach has congratulated Destination Coromandel, saying the small team has put in a huge effort to help promote the district.

'We are seeing tremendous results,” says Glenn. 'We rely heavily on visitors and tourism for our economic development.

'Growth in this sector brings significant financial, economic, social and cultural benefits to our district and the region as a whole.”

Destination Coromandel report shows increases across all critical metrics (web traffic, commercial bed nights and visitor spend) which signalled continued growth in tourism value for the Coromandel.

Year-on-year web analysis also shows user sessions on Destination Coromandel's website grew 37 per cent, sparked by innovative marketing campaigns.

Mobile traffic (people searching from their mobile phones) also grew 112 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

While competition for the visitor dollar from other regions is fierce, particularly for the international market, but the Coromandel is enjoying growth ahead of the national measure in international spend.

Destination Coromandel's 10-year plan ‘Beyond 2025' aligns with the Tourism Industry Associations plan ‘Towards 2025'.

These reports identify that product development, seasonality and quality are the keys to future visitor growth.

To view Destination Coromandel's annual report and 10-year plan visit their website at: www.thecoromandel.com