Melbourne’s Tourism Reinvention: The Role of Sentiment Analysis

Melbourne, Australia, has long been a city with a distinctive character, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, innovation, world-class sporting events, and the coveted title of the most livable city. However, the city’s popularity as a tourist destination comes with stiff competition. To ensure Melbourne remains a top choice for travelers, the City uses the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) to keep a close eye on its competitors and focus on enhancing its most attractive tourism experiences.

Melbourne’s uniqueness stems from its dynamic fusion of being both a bustling metropolis and a vibrant town. With a resident population of around 185,000, the city experiences a daily influx of nearly one million people, including commuters and visitors from neighboring areas, forming Greater Melbourne. These daily population fluctuations, along with local residents, have propelled Melbourne’s reputation for offering diverse experiences, from festivals and art to golf, beaches, dining, music, and shopping.

However, Melbourne’s economy, amounting to $104 billion in gross local product, heavily relies on domestic and international visitors, constituting more than 50% of the daily population. As a city that understands the significance of tourism, Melbourne has increasingly turned to sentiment analysis to ensure the continued development and competitiveness of its local tourism industry.

In 2016, Melbourne unveiled its ambitious vision for the city in the Future Melbourne 2026 plan. This plan involved collaborative efforts from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to transform Melbourne into a vibrant, creative, safe, inclusive, and conscientious city. Tourism played a pivotal role in this plan, with a focus on offering diverse and easily accessible experiences for both international and domestic visitors. This initiative set Melbourne on an inspiring path toward 2026.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Melbourne. The city endured extended lockdowns and witnessed an 80% drop in spending due to the absence of the daily population influx. Despite these challenges, Melburnians demonstrated their resilience in 2021. In response to the pandemic’s adversity, Melbourne released the Economic Development Strategy 2031, aiming to rejuvenate and innovate over the next decade. Tourism again plays a critical role, offering a source of renewal and innovation for the city.

To stay competitive in this evolving landscape, Melbourne relies on the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) as a source of competitive insights. Stephanie Hamilton, Visitor Economy Manager at the City of Melbourne, praised TSI Live for enabling them to “compare one-on-one with other key cities across the world.” This allows Melbourne to highlight its strengths and discover opportunities to enhance its visitor economy.

TSI Live is an essential tool for Melbourne, providing insights into the performance of similar destinations worldwide. By analyzing which experiences are highly regarded by visitors and how related experiences are perceived in competitive destinations, Melbourne can identify areas to promote and amplify activities well-loved by both residents and tourists.

Moreover, TSI Live provides sentiment analysis that delivers a snapshot of prevailing emotions associated with the topics discussed. This nuanced understanding is invaluable for a city that places great importance on meeting the needs of its community, extending beyond the realm of tourism.

In June 2022, Melbourne launched its Experience Melbourne tourism program, aiming to promote the city’s most renowned experiences, with a focus on events. This program also involves the expansion of visitor services for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and collaborative efforts with Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria to reignite the tourism industry.

As Melbourne refines its tourism promotion and future development plans, sentiment analysis through TSI plays an integral role in shaping its decisions. With this invaluable tool, Melbourne is equipped to adapt and remain a top choice for tourists while meeting the needs of its vibrant community.

In the next edition of the Tourism Sentiment Index Spotlight, we will explore Richmond, Virginia, USA, and discover how sentiment analysis is transforming the tourism landscape there.

Melbourne’s pursuit of excellence and resilience is illuminated through its adoption of sentiment analysis. The city’s dedication to enhancing its tourism industry, even in the face of adversity, serves as a testament to its commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for both residents and visitors. Sentiment analysis through the Tourism Sentiment Index empowers Melbourne with invaluable insights, enabling the city to remain competitive and adaptable while maintaining its reputation as a world-class destination. Melbourne’s success story serves as a source of inspiration for cities worldwide, showcasing the powerful impact of sentiment analysis on the global tourism landscape.