INTERNATIONAL visitor numbers to the Gold Coast dropped by 6% in the first quarter of 2011, but officials say the decline was expected.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the result wasn't surprising following worldwide natural disasters and the record strength of the Australian dollar.

“We can now see just how much impact the Christchurch earthquake and northern Japan earthquake and tsunami had on visitor arrivals from these source markets in the first quarter of 2011,” Mr Winter said.

“The decline is unfortunate, but not unexpected.”

Mr Winter said the challenge was to recover.

“The test for the Gold Coast tourism industry is how we bounce back from the uncontrollable events of early 2011, and how we combat the record high Australian dollar which is reducing international visitor expenditure in the region,” he said.

Mr Winter said by continuing to diversify international visitor markets, the industry would begin to experience positive results.

“One long-term strategy which is now delivering results is the diversifications of the Gold Coast's international visitor base, with increased efforts and resources dedicated to non-traditional or emerging source markets such as China and Hong Kong as well as resurgent markets like Korea,” Mr Winter said.

Statistics reveal growth in international visitor markets in Malaysia, China and Singapore by up to 15%, but decline in New Zealand and Japan.