Australia welcomed 8.19 million international visitors for the year ending November 2016, up 11.3% compared to the previous 12 months, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“The latest results confirm the strength of international tourism to Australia as it continues to reach record levels,” Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said.

All of the key markets Tourism Australia targets recorded growth including a number with double digit increases: USA (+ 18.3%), China (+ 19.0%), Japan (+ 22.2%), Korea (+ 27.2%), Malaysia (+15.7), Singapore (+12.1%) and India (+ 11.5%).

“It’s the first time ever that Australia has welcomed more than 700,000 Americans in a single year and this is tremendous news on the eve of G’Day USA events in the US,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“The attention generated by G’Day USA this month coupled with the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, which are traditionally a busy time for travel to Australia from markets in Asia, will help to ensure a strong start for Australian tourism in 2017,” he said.

Leisure arrivals continued to drive international arrivals growth, with an increase of 14.6 per cent over the 12 month period.

Tourism Australia

Media Release – 18 January 2017