Australia’s tourism boom continues to reach new records with spending growing to unseen levels form both domestic and international travellers.
The nation’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Steven Ciobo, today (Sep 20) revealed that has topped $100 billion for the first time.
“The records keep coming as Australia’s tourism boom keeps growing,” he said.
“Australian tourists spent a record AUD$62.6 billion holidaying at home for the year ending June 2017, up seven per cent on the previous year.
“The new record is revealed in the National Visitor Survey (NVS), which is released today, and it comes two weeks after the International Visitor Survey (IVS) showed international tourists spend a record $40.6 billion over the same period.
“Combined total spending by overnight tourists has reached a new record of AUD$103.2 billion.
“Tourism is driving our economy and will continue to into the future. It is creating and supporting jobs right across the country.
“Whether it’s enjoying the great outdoors or dining in one of our award winning restaurants, there is something for everyone with Australia’s diverse range of attractions and experiences.
“The record spending by Australian tourists is being driven by more people holidaying at home in Australia.
“Overnight trips by Australians have increased to a record 93.7 million, up five per cent, while nights reached a record 338 million, up four per cent.
“Nearly all states and territories experienced increases in overnight trips with Tasmania, up 16 per cent, enjoying the highest growth. Tasmania also experienced the largest growth in spending by Australian tourists, up 30 per cent to $2.4 billion.
“The Turnbull Government’s record funding for Tourism Australia and investment in tourism infrastructure is facilitating the continued growth of Australia’s tourism industry.
“In 2013 the Coalition returned responsibility for domestic tourism marketing to the states and territories to refocus Tourism Australia on our offshore marketing capacity,” Ciobo said.