The Gold Coast is leading the country's tourism industry recovery, with a surge in visitors from China and Japan.

International visitors to the Gold Coast increased 2.3% in the 12 months from January 2009 to December 2009, and they spent just over $1 billion in the tourism capital according to figures released today by Tourism Research Australia.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the positive gain was made even more satisfying with the achievement of an 8.4% increase in Japanese visitors and a 12% increase in Chinese visitors, two markets which have been the focus of increased efforts by the destination marketing organisation.

Although most international tourists visiting the Gold Coast are still from New Zealand, there were 3.3 per cent fewer kiwi visitors last year.