by Chris Becker
Some good news on the tourism front from the TRA (Tourism Research Australia) showing for the year ending June 2015:
- international visitor numbers increased 7% to a new high of 6.6 million visitors
- international visitor spend grew by 10% to a record $33.4 billion—or $3.2 billion more than the previous year.
- This is the strongest year-ending June growth since 2001, the period of the Sydney Olympic Games
- visitor nights increased 8% to 236 million
- leisure travel drove growth, with holiday arrivals increasing 5% to 2.9 million, and those visiting friends and relatives (VFR) up 6% to 1.8 million.
By regions, it was China than US and NZ:
For Australia’s top 5 markets by spend, China once again led the way. Visitor numbers increased by 22% (864,000), and trip spend increased 32% ($7 billion). This accounted for around $1 in every $5 spent by international visitors.
The USA recorded record growth in visitors (up 9% to 544,000) as did New Zealand (up 3% to 1.2 million).
However, visitors from the United Kingdom (629,000) and Japan (297,000) remained steady.
India was one of the fastest growing markets for the year boosted in part by Australia and New Zealand hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup this year. Visitors from India have now reached 207,000 (up by 20%) and this moves India up three places to become our 8th largest market. Trip spend has grown by 39% and surpassed $1 billion for the first time.
“With these positive results and a growing domestic market, the Australian tourism industry is well positioned for growth and to continue making a significant contribution to the Australian economy,” said Tourism Research Australia’s Assistant General Manager, Mr Spiro Kavadias.
And Queensland leads the way!
The lower Aussie dollar is finally helping one industry at least – but more reform is needed in service delivery and costs, the latter which can be mainly solved by lowering property prices.