Australia’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost in visitor spending, as international tourists are setting new records and staying longer than before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Tourism Research Australia, international tourists spent a total of .9 billion in Australia in the year ending March 2024, slightly surpassing pre-pandemic spending levels.
Half of Australia’s states and territories have exceeded their 2019 spending levels, with South Australia leading the pack at 120% of pre-COVID levels, followed by Western Australia at 111%, NSW at 105%, and Queensland at 102%.
In the year leading up to March 2024, international travelers not only stayed longer but also spent more per trip compared to pre-pandemic times. Trips to Australia reached 84% of 2019 levels, with the average spend per trip increasing by 25% and the average stay exceeding pre-pandemic levels at 37 nights.
Acting Western Australian tourism minister John Carey praised the state’s success, with .9 billion spent by international and domestic tourists, surpassing growth targets. He attributed this achievement to WA’s global reputation as a destination with incredible tourism and hospitality experiences.
In addition, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast saw their highest total overnight spending rates ever, with .2 billion and 1.1 million respectively. Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan highlighted the state’s resilience and growth despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
While NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT have seen increased visitor spending compared to the previous quarter, they have not yet caught up to pre-pandemic levels.
On the domestic front, tourism remained stable in the first quarter of 2024, with Australians making 28.8 million domestic journeys and spending .4 billion during the quarter. Although spending climbed by 6% for travelers visiting capital cities, it fell by 4% for those exploring outlying locations.
Overall, the Australian tourism industry is showing positive signs of recovery and growth, with international and domestic tourist spending contributing significantly to the sector’s resurgence.
