THE post-Christmas period is looking positive for the Golden Dragon Museum.
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Museum chief executive Hugo Leschen said visitor numbers in the days since Christmas were above what staff were expecting.
"We only closed on Christmas Day and were open for half a day on Christmas Eve," he said. "Since then we have had a really good weekend and a fabulous Monday. It was very busy.
"Most of the folk seem to be day-trippers from Melbourne but there is a healthy sprinkling of locals and a few interstaters as well.
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"We know, because lots of people are asking for for directions and if we know what else is open. People are also carrying bags (from other attractions) which means they are doing the whole region.
"What is also really interesting is they are spending a good quality of time (in the museum). They aren't flitting in and out, they are interested, engaged and reading a lot (of the information), asking questions and having a good time."
Mr Leschen said he had noticed a steady increase in tourists to the Bendigo regions since the museum reopened in November.
"We noticed as soon as we reopened, (visitation) was steady," he said. "In December it has built a little bit. It was very good the Wednesday before Christmas and this weekend and today has been terrific.
"(During the lockdown) all the arts, culture and tourism businesses were asking same thing - 'what do you think is going to happen?' So we planned as we usually do and,without counting our chickens, our planning looks like it has paid off.
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"We hope everyone travelling is having good time and that other (tourism) businesses are also benefiting."
The museum is also hoping to see high numbers of tourists in February for Chinese New Year and April when the Bendigo Easter Festival returns.
"You have got to plan as if it is all going to be fine and have lots of contingencies in place as well as the COVID-safe plans," Mr Leschen said.