Great Lakes tourism and marketing manager Richard Old said the influx of tourists in the peak season injected about $20.73 million into the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest economy and $79 million into the Great Lakes area as a whole.

"Tourism money is new money," he said. "Plus it flows through our economy and into the pockets ofeveryone in the community."

The summer holidays are the busiest period for the area with a peak occuring from Boxing Day until the end of January attracting the highest number of visitors.

Mr Old said there was almost 6000 beds available throughout Tea Gardens Hawks Nest with an average occupancy of 71 per cent throughout this period.

"Tourism activity creates jobs, attracts businesses and services, builds facilities, educates andbrings events," Mr Old said.

"At an individual level, this activity pays bills, school fees, puts food on the table and supports many local associations and clubs."

While the summer holidays tends to bring increased traffic, longer queues and busy beaches and lakes, Mr Old said to keep in mind that tourism is an investment in the wellbeing and growth of the community.

"The whole region is on show," he said.

"Summer is one big marketing opportunity where we can promote the Great Lakes as an amazing place to visit, invest in and move to."