Spending by international visitors has reached a new high of $41.3 billion for the year ending December 2017, increasing by six percent on the previous year, according to the latest International Visitor Survey.
The rise represents an additional $2.2 billion to the Australian economy.
“Almost all states and territories saw growth in spending by international tourists during the year, with most recording double-digit increases,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP. “Tasmania continues to enjoy the strongest growth in the country, with spending by international tourists surging 31 percent during the year and up an incredible 90 per cent over the past three years.”
Chinese tourists remain Australia’s biggest spenders, spending a record $10.4 billion – a 14 per cent increase from last year – into the economy. This growth follows the 2017 China Australia Year of Tourism campaign, as well as increased aviation capacity. Spending by visitors from the United States also showed continued growth, up three percent to $3.8 billion.
Other top performers for the year included India and Hong Kong. India recorded the strongest growth with visitors spending a record $1.4 billion, a 16 per cent increase.