"People are hearing more about Whanganui and the diverse range of activities and attractions than they have ever heard before," Ms Cheyen said.
"All our events that attract out-of-town visitors have seen growth in numbers as well, so the cumulative effect is that people are beginning to see Whanganui as a new and positive holiday destination."
Visitors' comments about Whanganui focused on the attractiveness of the town, the friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere.
"The strongest feedback is that visitors have little knowledge of Whanganui and are surprised at the amount to do here," said Ms Cheyne .
Special events taking place over summer included the Suzuki Series Cemetery Circuit, Shelterview V8 Jetsprints, the Wanganui Cricket Festival, the Wanganui Opera Week and Whanganui Vintage Weekend.
Statistics New Zealand figures show Whanganui had 68,531 guest nights last summer - that compared to 44,084 the previous spring and 44,551 the following autumn.
A guest night refers to one guest spending one night in a hotel, motel, backpacker establishment or holiday park. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment figures show an estimated $120 million was spent on tourism in Whanganui in the year to March 2015.
The spending included $19 million on fuel and other automotive products and $18 million on alcohol, food and beverages.
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chief executive Chris Roberts said this summer was set to break records for the tourism industry nationally.
"The industry has recorded 9 per cent growth in international visitor arrivals in the last 12 months, and the indications are that we will see that level of growth continue or even increase through the peak visitor season, especially with all the new air services coming into New Zealand."
He said Air New Zealand was starting regular services from Buenos Aires and Houston this month.
Philippines Air had started a service from Manila to Auckland. China Southern Airlines and China Airlines were starting new services into Christchurch, while China Eastern Airlines and Air China had new services flying into Auckland.
"In addition, Jetstar's new regional services around New Zealand provide additional options for New Zealanders to travel around their own country.
"We are also looking forward to the first 'Mondayisation' of Waitangi Day, giving New Zealanders an opportunity to enjoy another long weekend over summer, which is sure to see many people heading away from home for a few days.
"It's going to be a boomer."
Mr Roberts said anyone planning a New Zealand holiday over the next few months should make arrangements early to avoid disappointment, as accommodation, flights and the most popular visitor activities would all be in demand.