Inbound spending surges

Research Australia today released its latest International Visitor Survey figures, with the results for the year to 31 Dec indicating a new high of $41.3 billion in visitor expenditure from overseas.

That was an increase of 6% on the prior year, with almost all states and territories seeing growth in international spending.

Tasmania was the standout performer, up 31% for 2017 and overall inbound spending almost doubling over the last three years.

The only state to see a fall in international visitor spending was Western Australia, where the report indicated a 5% decline to just under $2.3 billion.

China was the biggest spending market, up 14% to $10.4 billion, while there was also growth from the US, up 3% to $3.8 billion although actual visitor numbers from America jumped 9% - possibly reflecting shorter stays.

Australian Tourism Export Council md Peter Shelley said the figures indicated the ongoing importance of China as Australia’s “long-term number one source market,” nudging New Zealand out of its former top position.

He said the results indicated the achievements of a strongly targeted marketing effort “along with the applied focus of our tourism industry businesses towards providing an inviting destination for Chinese visitors”.

There was also strong growth in spending from India, up 14%.

Visitor numbers from New Zealand rose just 15%, while spending declined 8%.

Interestingly, arrivals from Canada and Indonesia grew by double digits, but both markets also experienced a drop in spend.