Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham announced (17-Jan-2020) the following Australian tourism highlights for the year ending Sep-2019:
- Australians took 115.7 million overnight trips and spent AUD79.1 billion (USD54.4 billion) on overnight travel, up 13% year-on-year;
- International visitation increased 3% to 8.7 million;
- Spend from international visitors increased 5% to AUD45.2 billion (USD31.1 billion). Japan international spend increased 15%, India international spend increased 12% and US international spend increased 10%.
Mr Birmingham stated: "These results demonstrate the underlying strength of Australia's tourism industry", however Australia's Government is "acutely aware of the challenges our tourism industry currently faces as a result of recent bushfires and that tourism businesses from all around Australia are feeling the pressures of cancellations and reduced bookings". [more - original PR]