Australia so hot right now

Australia so hot right now
By admin


International visitors have cemented their importance to the Australian economy with arrivals at record levels for 15 key markets, and trip spend increasing 9% to a record $30.7 billion for the year ending September 2014.

The latest results from the International Visitor Survey reported arrivals jumped to record levels, with 8% growth to 6.3 million and overnights up 3% to 221 million, mostly driven by leisure travellers to Australia.

Holidaymakers to Aussie shores increased 9% to 2.8 million, with nights up 1% to 74.1 million and spending $12.3 billion collectively, up 11% year-on-year.

The VFR market also saw gains, with 1.7 million travelling to Australia to visit friends and family and spending $5.1 billion during their stay, which was up 14% to 49.5 million nights.

“These are actually amongst the best annual international visitor figures we’ve seen in some while and definitely a nice, early Xmas present for the tourism industry,” Tourism Australia managing director, John O’Sullivan said.

“What makes particularly pleasing reading are the spend numbers, up an impressive 9% over the past year. You’d have to go back as far as 2005 to see visitor spending growing above this level and is exactly the kind of performance we need to sustain if we are to achieve our Tourism 2020 targets.”

While there were no surprises that the trend of strong growth was driven from Asia, in particular China which was up 10% to 736,000 visitors, most other key markets of New Zealand, USA and Singapore, also reported increases. Overall, 15 key markets had record arrivals.

O’Sullivan also noted the “positive signs of a return to growth in business-related travel”, with an increase of 11% year-on-year.

On the back of the results, the Australian Tourism Export Council warned however the recent proposals to apply a sliding scale increase to the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) would “severely affect these long haul markets, and damage the positive growth now being seen”.

“Taxes like the PMC not only affect the number of visitors coming to Australia, it impacts the amount people are prepared to spend while they are here – leaving a negative economic fallout that will affect each and every one of the 250,000 businesses who are part of Australia’s tourism economy nationally,” ATEC managing director, Peter Shelley said.

Latest News

  • Events

CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]