Bendigo Moteliers Association president Simon Wurf said all reports were good and that Bendigo had no shortage of entertainment for visitors.

Visitor numbers have been healthy for the two months since the Bendigo Art Gallery opened its Marilyn Monroe exhibition.

“We have been busy, which is good for the town,” Mr Wurf said.

“There seems to be a lot of people around in general and at the half-way mark of the exhibition we have seen increased activity in the city.”

Mr Wurf, who runs the City Centre Motel, said there had been an increase in bookings that he hoped would continue on.

“It’s a very positive thing for the town and it may even finish with a whirlwind,” he said.

“When the exhibition opened, there were some issues with the trains. I know a lot do overnight (visits) on the train and if they’re concerned about that then they don't jump on.

“But since that has been resolved, it has been very good and I can’t see any negatives at all.”

Mr Wurf said visitor demographics seemed to range from young couples right up to senior citizens.

He also said that people were eager to eat out and spend more in restaurants.

“They seem to be happy to go out and eat and spend money in town,” he said.

“The council and the Bendigo Art Gallery have done a great job with the exhibition and it has certainly been all positive feedback that comes through doors.” 

Bendigo Tourism Board chair Bob Downing said visitors were also exploring outside the city limits.

Mr Downing, who lives in Heathcote, said people were stopping off at the wineries as part of their trip.

“We are getting people stopping on the way to Bendigo or several that have been to Marilyn the day before, stayed over and are visiting Heathcote on their way home,” he said.

“I think the numbers are at least equal to Grace, which has been the biggest exhibition in the past.

“From our perspective it has been very successful at drawing tourists to Bendigo and surrounding areas.” 

Mr Downing said weekends are still proving to be busier than weekdays.

“Everything we're hearing is nothing but positive,” he said. “We are still busy all week, which is very positive for the city.”