International visitors spent record $5.9 billion in Queensland in 2018

Monday, April 8, 2019

International visitors to Queensland spent $5.9 billion in 2018 according to International Visitor Survey Data released last week. As per the data the market share grew almost one per cent in the year ending December 2018. Queensland employs over 200,000 workers and the data shows that Queensland’s tourism market is growing.

As per Kate Jones, Tourism Industry Development Minister, the figures show that their strategic focus on high-value travellers is delivering a strong return for Queensland. She adds that in the last year, there has been 13.3 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure and this growth was faster than NSW and Victoria. Queensland’s international visitor market grew by nearly $2 billion from year 2014; reaching $5.9 billion for the first time.

China remains Queensland’s largest international market. Chinese visitors spent more than $1.4 billion in Queensland in 2018, an all-time record and a 25.4 per cent increase from 2017.

Visitors from the United States spent a record $414.9 million, which is a rise of 15.2 per cent in 2018. Education and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel also supported Queensland’s strong expenditure growth.

Business travel grew 13.5 per cent to 212,000 visitors who spent $300.9 million – up 17.9 per cent.

Jones said: “Tourism is a $25 billion industry in Queensland, employing 217,000 people and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to growing this sector in the future.”

Tourists come to Queensland to visit several destinations including Gold Coast, Cairns. Outback adventure is also popular here.

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