The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the latest International Visitor Survey results which shows a record $42.5 billion spend (up 5 per cent) by international tourists over the year ending June 2018.

Released today by Tourism Research Australia, the survey demonstrates record continued growth of international visitors, with 8.4 million (up 6 per cent) people arriving in Australia over the 2017/2018 financial year.

Tourism & Transport Chief Executive Officer Margy Osmond said this boom in expenditure and visitation supports both jobs and business confidence across Australia, in cities and in the regions.

“The top 5 markets, China, New Zealand, US, UK and Japan, all recorded a growth in visitation figures, with the rise of India edging closer to the big 5 with a record number of visitors at 314,000 and a trip spend of $1.5 billion,” said Ms Osmond.

“Australia’s stellar performance continues to be underpinned by strong growth in spending by Chinese visitors.

“The Chinese market continues to soar to record heights with 1.3 million Chinese tourist’s (up 13%) spending $11.3 billion (up 15 per cent), which accounts for more than a quarter of total international spend.

“Food, drinks, and accommodation counted for almost a third of the visitor spend, which means a range of service provider’s across our Country benefit, from bars to restaurants, to cafes and various accommodation providers,” said Ms Osmond.

Tourism is a super growth sector for the Australian economy, injecting about $100 million annually to Australia’s GDP and creating over 920,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Ms Osmond said to capitalise on this strong growth in international visitor spending we must ensure Australia remains welcoming and competitive internationally as a must-visit destination.

“We also need to continue investing in destination marketing to make sure Australia, as a great tourist destination, is front and centre in the minds of people booking their next holiday.”