Allowing pets at Lake Macquarie tourist parks has resulted in a summer tourism boom, the council says.
The council-owned parks at Belmont, Blacksmiths, Swansea and Wangi Wangi were near capacity in the festive period, and revenue from the four sites totalled almost $6.5 million in 2019.
Holiday parks coordinator Garry Ellem said the overall revenue was a calendar-year record and the direct and flow-on economic benefit for the local economy was estimated at almost $36 million.
Mr Ellem said demand for caravan and camping sites was as strong as ever across all four tourist parks.
But he said pet-friendly cabins at Blacksmiths Beachside and Belmont Lakeside Holiday Parks, and the earlier decision to welcome pets across all caravan and camping sites at Blacksmiths Beachside, had helped drive bookings.
"This has significantly contributed to the growth in park revenue and occupancy so far this financial year," Mr Ellem said. "Converting two cabins at Blacksmiths Beachside and one at Belmont Lakeside to target the pet-friendly market has provided 266 additional nights usage since July 1."
Belmont Lakeside managers Peter and Stacey Jenner said 80 per cent of guests were arriving with pets.
"Our dog-friendly cabin is booked solid through to February," Mr Jenner said. "We're looking to put more pet-friendly cabins in this year to keep up with demand."
Western Sydney guest Heather Williams said finding accommodation where her cavoodle, Bonnie, would be happy was a major factor in choosing their summer holiday destination.
"It's the location - not too far for us to drive from Sydney, but it's also the fact it's dog-friendly," Ms Williams said.
