Chinese tourists reach new record in Australia; overall record tourism spend

11 December, 2017

Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo stated (12-Dec-2017) spending by Chinese tourists in Australia reached a new record, exceeding AUD10 billion (USD7.5 billion) for the first time. The International Visitor Survey (IVS) noted the AUD10.3 billion (USD7.8 billion) record from Chinese tourists and an overall record AUD41.2 billion (USD31 billion) in spend by more than eight million international visitors, who accrued a record 268 million visitor nights during the 12 months ended Sep-2017. The growth was led by key Asian markets including China, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan. During the past 12 months Australia welcomed 1.33 million Chinese visitors, just shy of the largest arrivals market of New Zealand with 1.35 million. Another market that has seen consistent growth is the US, with visitors and spending both growing by 40% over the last three years. Youth travellers to Australia are also growing strongly with a 10% increase in spend in the 12 month period. Tourism Australia, through its 'Aussie News Today' campaign, will continue to grow the sector, which makes up 46% of all international spend. Spending by international visitors remains strong across the States and Territories, with Tasmania seeing a 33% increase and the ACT a 27% increase in the 12 month period. [more - original PR]