Australian domestic tourism has seen a growing trend for almost a decade now

Friday, April 26, 2019

Australian domestic tourism has seen a growing trend for almost a decade now.

Except for a little blip in 2009, Australians have been spending more and more every year on domestic travel and holidays.

At the end of 2018, overnight spending from domestic tourists went up by 13 per cent to $72.7 billion. This is a growing sector showing no signs of slowing down.

Overnight trips by Australians within Australia also went up by 9 per cent, with nights spent vacationing within Australia up by 7 per cent to 376.1 million nights.

Holiday visits were up 8 per cent to $42.4 million and spending was up 9 per cent to $35.3 billion.

Visits to friends and relatives increased by 8 per cent to 35.5 million. Business trips also grew by 14 per cent with the spend going up by 23 per cent to $19.6 billion.

Tourism Research Australia said that there is a continuing shift towards active outdoor activities that can be done at low or no cost improving health and well-being. This includes domestic overnight trips involving visits to botanical and bushwalking.

When it comes to accommodation, Australian tourists are keen on getting the best value for their money. More nights have been spent in rented houses and apartments as well as non-commercial caravan and camping sites than ever before at the end of 2018.

Tourism Research Australia said that the lower value of the Australian dollar is making overseas travel less appealing, thereby increasing the effectiveness of onshore travel.

In terms of increase in visitors, Western Australia and Tasmania saw the largest growth, while the ACT visitor numbers remained steady.

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