Talking Tourism column with Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd chair Barrie Adams

DOMESTIC tourism is defying the odds, with new data recently released showing a 2% increase to 2.8 million domestic travellers to the Sunshine Coast for the year ending December 2012.

According to The National Visitor Survey statistics from Tourism Research Australia, the holidaymakers have buoyed the domestic results for the Sunshine Coast region. This Easter, be different - be a holidaymaker at home on the Coast

The beach is a great place to gather and reconnect, so bring a bucket and spade and hang out with the family.

Family friendly beaches are patrolled year-round including Kings Beach in Caloundra, Mooloolaba Beach and Noosa Main Beach, but there are plenty of options along the 100km of coastline.

The Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest, one of the oldest surf contests in Australia will be held on Good Friday, March 29, at Moffat Beach.

The Coolum Surfing School 'Vegemite Surf Groms' is a national junior development program for 5-12 year olds encouraging kids to participate in surfing.

Entry level introduction to sailing at the Youthsail Holiday sailing programs for 6 to 12-year-olds and the normal Holiday Sailing Program will be available for the older kids at Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club

For Easter Saturday fun, head to the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival. Compete in the unique Cheese Rolling contest and, for the kids, the Cheester Egg Hunt. This event is a great day out for the family.

On behalf of myself and the team at SCDL, we trust you have a fun Easter exploring and enjoying the Sunshine Coast. For more information or ideas go to: visitsunshinecoast.com.au