Australia Tourism on Track: Record $191.6B in 2025, $233B Outlook 2030

Last updated on February 4, 2026

Sydney, Australia (Tourism Reporter) — Australia’s visitor economy is building on a record-breaking 2024, with total visitor expenditure projected to reach $191.6 billion (AUD) in 2025 — a 6% increase from last year’s historic $180.6 billion high — according to the latest Tourism Forecasts for Australia 2025 to 2030 report released by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) in December 2025. The official outlook, frequently highlighted in Tourism Australia updates, anticipates steady 4% average annual growth, pushing total spend to approximately $233 billion by 2030 and underscoring tourism’s vital role in national economic recovery and regional development.

International arrivals are set to climb to 8.8 million in 2025, up from 8.3 million in 2024, with international visitor spend jumping 15% to $37.7 billion — surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reflecting expanded aviation capacity and strong demand from key markets. By 2030, arrivals are forecast to hit 10.9 million, with international spend reaching $46 billion, representing 22% growth from 2025.

“Asia, being close to us, is growing very quickly,” said former Managing Director Phillipa Harrison in remarks emphasizing the region’s pivotal contribution to inbound momentum. Markets like China, Hong Kong, and India are tipped for the strongest gains, fueled by recovering outbound travel, new routes, and campaigns promoting Australia’s natural icons, cultural experiences, and safety.

Domestically, the picture shows adaptation amid cost pressures: overnight trip spend is expected to ease slightly by 0.9% to $107.8 billion in 2025, but day trips surge 18% to $46 billion as Australians opt for shorter, value-driven local escapes. By 2030, domestic spend is projected at $187.4 billion, with day trips exceeding 313 million — roughly 11 per person annually — and overnight trips surpassing 123 million.

“The visitor economy in Australia is worth about $177 billion, and there are about 300,000 businesses around Australia that rely on it,” Harrison noted in recent industry remarks. “So, it’s really important for us to look at how we continue to grow that, but in a way that is sustainable and gives back to the country while providing an incredible experience for the people who come and visit us.”

The forecasts highlight tourism’s macroeconomic impact: supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, boosting regional economies through events like the upcoming 2026 British & Irish Lions Tour and 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and serving as a buffer against global uncertainties. International spend growth outpaces domestic in the near term, driven by high-value segments and shoulder-season travel, while domestic day trips provide stability.

Harrison has stressed the shift from recovery to sustainable expansion:

“We’ve moved from a recovery mindset to a growth mindset.”

Aviation remains critical for an island nation, with inbound seat capacity at record levels aiding the rebound.

With the new year now underway, the outlook remains positive, with total spend on track to build toward $200 billion in the coming months and continued focus on high-yield, regenerative tourism. Newly appointed Managing Director Robin Mack echoed the sector’s potential in his inaugural statements:

“Australia’s tourism industry contributes significantly to the nation through the economic impact it delivers from visitor spend and the jobs it creates. Tourism supports regional communities, builds connections between countries and can be a powerful driver in positive social and environmental advances.”

Tourism Australia and TRA data reinforce Australia’s appeal as a premier destination, blending adventure, culture, and nature to drive long-term prosperity.

Tourism Reporter will track evolving figures as full 2025 data rolls in.