Domestic and international tourism spending now tops $121 billion dollars, a Tourism Research Australia survey has found.
In the year ending March 2017, domestic visitors staying overnight spent $61.7 billion, day visitors spent $19.6 billion and international visitors spent $39.8 billion.
“What we see is a record number of visitors both international and domestic, record spending and record length of stay,” Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo told SBS World News.
“That’s great news for the Australian economy and great news for those workers employed in the tourism industry.”
Figures comparing the past three years, from 2014 to March 2017, show all states and territories enjoyed double digit growth when it came to international and domestic tourism spending.
Tasmania came out on top with a 54 per cent boost in spending; the Northern Territory fared well with a 46.5 per cent increase and the ACT saw a 35.3 per cent increase.
Australians took 91.7 million overnight trips, up three per cent from the previous survey.
In New South Wales, some 29.4 million overnight visitors spent more than in any other state or territory at $16.7 billion.
The survey found more people are willing to explore what Australia has to offer rather than heading overseas.
“The reality is that if we have Australians who are holidaying at home more often it's helping to boost the Australian economy and it's helping out other Aussies,” Minister Ciobo said.
International tourists are also broadening their itineraries beyond Melbourne and Sydney, thanks to an increase in direct flights from China, according to the China Travel Service.
New South Wales topped the list of where the most money was spent by overnight visitors. Source: AAP
“Adelaide, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast - my clients are coming to more cities,” travel agent Jian Sun told SBS World News.
“More Chinese people want to visit the beautiful island of Tasmania, too.”
The tourism industry employs one in 12 Australians according to figures from the federal government.
Lianne Gottheiner owns Bondi café, Lox Stock & Barrel and told SBS World News they get a lot of interstate visitors, especially from Melbourne.
“There is a bit of a perception that we travel within our own country when we’re older, but I think that’s changing,” Ms Gottheiner said.
“Australia has a lot to offer.”
