An independent survey by Tourism Research Australia shows domestic visitor numbers slumped in the other two states at the end of last year, but the Hunter's went up by 10 per cent and NSW's rose by 7 per cent.

Minister for the Hunter and for Tourism Jodi McKay said the number of Australian tourists taking holidays had not changed from the previous year, but people had shifted destinations.

"This is great news for tourism businesses and tourism jobs in the Hunter," she said.

"These results show that tourism in the region is bouncing back after what was a tough 2009.

"The region attracted more than 548,000 domestic overnight visitors during the last quarter of 2009, an increase of around 50,000 visitors on the same quarter in the previous year."

Ms McKay said Australian visitors boosted the region's economy by spending more than $862 million last year.

"That's around $160 million more tourism dollars for the local economy than in 2008," she said.

Ms McKay said there were good signs that the Hunter's tourism market would continue to improve.

She said the $2.55 million investment in the refurbishment of the Channel Berth on Dyke Point would further support tourism through increased cruise ship visits.

"Visiting cruise ships bring around $500,000 per visit to the Hunter," she said.

She said 15 cruise ships would visit the Hunter Region in the 2010-11 cruise season.