Australia is seeing a surge in outbound travel, with Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia emerging as the top-growth destinations, according to the latest Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) report released on December 13, 2024. The report reveals that October 2024 saw a 12.1% increase in Australian departures compared to the same month in 2023, with 1.66 million Australians traveling abroad during that period.
Key Findings from the ATIA Report:
Top Destinations:
Japan recorded a phenomenal 73.8% year-on-year growth, with 567,330 Australians visiting as of October 2024.
Vietnam saw a 35.4% increase in Australian visitors, totaling 423,630.
Indonesia grew by 26%, with 1,644,010 Australians choosing it as a destination.
Indonesia remains the top overall destination, followed by New Zealand (1,344,150 visitors, up 8.2%) and the USA (732,490 visitors, up 13%).
Leisure Travel:
63.6% of Australians traveling in the year up to October 2024 were on holiday, showing a clear preference for leisure travel.
24% of travelers were visiting friends and family, reflecting the importance of personal connections in travel. Only 5% were traveling for business.
Inbound Travel:
For inbound travel, China is the fastest-growing market, with a staggering 96.6% increase in visitors to Australia.
South Korea has slightly overtaken Japan in the number of visitors to Australia, with both countries showing near 50% growth year-on-year.
Industry Insights:
Richard Taylor, ATIA’s Director of Membership and Industry Affairs, pointed out that the leisure travel boom is fueling much of the outbound growth, highlighting Australians’ evolving preferences for international travel.
The focus on reconnecting with loved ones (reflected in the 24% of travelers visiting friends and family) underscores the importance of personal experiences in the travel landscape.
Conclusion:
The latest data reinforces the idea that Australians are prioritizing personal experiences and leisure travel as they explore new destinations. With Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia leading the charge, the growth in outbound travel indicates a clear shift toward international exploration, especially among those looking to connect with family and experience new cultures.
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