Indonesia and Japan Lead Australian Tourism Outbound Shifts As ABS Data Reveals Declines in Bali Trips Amid Asia Surge: What You Need to Know

Published on January 19, 2026

Australian tourism patterns showed resilience in November 2025, with short-term resident returns reaching 937,320, marking a modest 0.6 percent rise from November 2024 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This figure underscores a 10.3 percent increase over pre-COVID levels in November 2019, indicating sustained tourism rebound despite uneven destination preferences. The data highlights how shifting traveler interests could reshape tourism economics across Asia and beyond.

Indonesia, long the top choice primarily driven by Bali‘s allure, recorded 128,910 returns, a notable 7.3 percent drop from 139,070 the prior year, potentially straining tourism revenues in the archipelago. This decline in Indonesia tourism may prompt local operators to rethink marketing amid rising competition from other Asian hubs. Meanwhile, New Zealand held steady at 118,300 trips with minor growth, maintaining its role in trans-Tasman tourism.

Asia Tourism Destinations Surge Ahead

Japan emerged as a standout, with 80,620 returns reflecting nearly ten percent year-on-year growth, signaling strong demand for its cultural and seasonal attractions that could invigorate bilateral tourism ties. China posted over ten percent expansion to 61,810 trips, aiding tourism recovery as economic links strengthen post-pandemic. Vietnam mirrored this momentum at 38,930, up similarly, positioning Southeast Asia as a tourism powerhouse and likely boosting regional hospitality investments.

Stable performers like India (46,100) and Singapore (34,130) showed little change, providing reliable anchors for tourism flows. These trends suggest Asian tourism is fragmenting, with high-growth spots like Japan, China, and Vietnam capturing adventurous travelers, potentially diverting spending from laggards. Such shifts may enhance tourism infrastructure in rising destinations while challenging others to innovate.

Declines Hit Western Tourism Markets

The United States faced a sharp twenty percent plunge to over forty-seven thousand returns, the steepest drop, which could dampen trans-Pacific tourism partnerships amid economic pressures. Thailand slipped to over fifty-three thousand with a small decrease, and the United Kingdom saw minor contraction at over thirty-six hundred, reflecting cautious spending on longer-haul trips. These downturns in US and UK tourism might redirect Australian outbound dollars toward closer Asian options, reshaping global tourism dynamics.

State Variations Impact Local Tourism

New South Wales led resident returns at 308,940, up 1.6 percent, followed by Victoria’s 262,480 (1.4 percent rise), pointing to urban hubs driving tourism recovery. Queensland bucked the trend with a 3.3 percent fall to 169,740, possibly signaling softer domestic-linked tourism. South Australia grew 4.6 percent to forty-four thousand fifty, Tasmania 6.1 percent to ninety-nine hundred fifty, while Northern Territory dropped 14.2 percent to fifty-nine hundred forty, highlighting regional disparities that could influence state-level tourism policies.

Western Australia (120,240, +0.7 percent) and ACT (15,920, +1.8 percent) posted gains, suggesting proximity to Asian routes bolsters local tourism enthusiasm. These variations imply that tourism operators in declining states like Queensland and NT must target niche markets to counterbalance national upticks. Overall, state data reveals how localized factors amplify or mute broader tourism trends.

Inbound Tourism Fuels Optimism

Complementing outbound figures, Australia welcomed 831,170 short-term visitor arrivals, a robust 19.5 percent surge from the previous year and 1.9 percent above 2019 levels, supercharging domestic tourism sectors. New Zealand topped sources at 127,820 (15.4 percent share), with UK (eighty thousand ninety) and China (sevebty-four thousand five hundred) close behind, diversifying inbound tourism streams. This boom, up to 325,340 in NSW alone (twenty-five percent growth), promises economic uplift for hospitality and attractions nationwide.

New South Wales, Victoria (206,340, +16 percent), and Queensland (155,520, +13.9 percent) dominated stays, underscoring major cities’ tourism pull. Smaller territories like WA (95,500, +23.7 percent) and SA (25,950, +23.4 percent) also thrived, distributing tourism benefits widely. The inbound surge offsets outbound dips, fortifying Australia’s tourism resilience against global uncertainties.

Business Travel Bolsters Tourism Recovery

Australian small and medium enterprises ramped up international trips by nearly nine percent, surpassing leisure growth and prioritizing face-to-face engagements over virtual alternatives. This corporate push enhances tourism through conferences and client meets, injecting stability into volatile leisure segments. As businesses invest in real-world connections, tourism providers stand to gain from hybrid demand blending work and exploration.