Australia’s tourism sector contributed AUD 66.1 billion to the economy in 2023 and supported 238,000 jobs. Hotel room nights from international visitors reached 18.4 million in 2023, while domestic travel nights totaled 456 million, up 12% year over year. Accommodation demand stays split, with serviced apartment occupancy reaching 72% nationally and Sydney hotels averaging 78.5% occupancy.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel room nights sold to internationals reached 18.4 million in 2023
- Total accommodation rooms in Australia numbered 285,000 in 2023
- Serviced apartment occupancy hit 72% nationally in 2023
- Domestic travel nights totaled 456 million in 2023, up 12% YoY
- 85 million domestic visitor nights were spent in short-term accommodation in FY2023
- Domestic holiday travel expenditure was AUD 45.2 billion in 2023
- In 2023, Australia's tourism industry generated AUD 66.1 billion in total economic contribution, accounting for 3.1% of national GDP
- Tourism directly supported 238,000 jobs in Australia during 2023, representing 1.8% of total employment
- Domestic tourism expenditure reached AUD 112.4 billion in FY2023, up 18.5% from the previous year
- Domestic tourism employment totaled 145,000 jobs in hospitality in 2023
- Total tourism jobs recovered to 666,000 in March 2024, 95% of pre-COVID
- Accommodation services employed 112,000 full-time equivalents in 2023
- International students numbered 543,000 in Australia in 2023, staying avg 52 weeks
- Chinese international students contributed 28% of total at 152,000 in 2023
- Indian students grew to 108,000 enrolments in 2023, +25% YoY
Australia welcomed strong 2023 tourism momentum, with soaring hotel demand and international spending reaching AUD 34.2 billion.
Related reading
01 · Category
Accommodation19 stats
01
Hotel room nights sold to internationals reached 18.4 million in 2023
02
Total accommodation rooms in Australia numbered 285,000 in 2023
03
Serviced apartment occupancy hit 72% nationally in 2023
04
Sydney's hotel occupancy averaged 78.5% in 2023, RevPAR AUD 245
05
Melbourne hotel ADR reached AUD 198 in 2023, up 14%
06
Gold Coast occupancy was 76.2% with 2.1 million room nights sold
07
Great Barrier Reef resorts saw 85% occupancy peaks in 2023 summer
08
Tasmania holiday parks occupancy grew 11% to 68% in 2023
09
Airbnb listings totaled 248,000 active in Australia in 2023
10
Holiday rental supply increased 9% to 156,000 properties in 2023
11
Average hotel room rate nationally was AUD 212 in FY2023
12
Boutique hotels grew 7% in supply to 1,200 properties in 2023
13
Glamping sites expanded to 450 locations with 92% occupancy in peak 2023
14
Total accommodation expenditure by domestics was AUD 18.9 billion in 2023
15
International guests occupied 25% of hotel rooms in major cities 2023
16
Eco-certified accommodations numbered 1,200 in 2023
17
Timeshare and resort clubs had 45,000 members using facilities in 2023
18
Caravan parks hosted 11 million guest nights domestically in 2023
19
Luxury lodge occupancy averaged 82% with ADR AUD 650 in 2023
Interpretation
Accommodation Interpretation
While international visitors filled a quarter of our city hotels and our glamping tents were practically sagging with 92% occupancy, the true story of Australia's 2023 travel boom is a tale of two markets, where domestic dollars fueled a sprawling and inventive accommodation landscape—from burgeoning holiday parks to boutique hotels—all while chasing the premium rates our spectacular destinations can now command.
02 · Category
Domestic Tourism23 stats
01
Domestic travel nights totaled 456 million in 2023, up 12% YoY
02
85 million domestic visitor nights were spent in short-term accommodation in FY2023
03
Domestic holiday travel expenditure was AUD 45.2 billion in 2023
04
Intrastate travel accounted for 68% of domestic trips in 2023
05
New South Wales saw 28.4 million domestic visitors in 2023
06
Queensland hosted 22.1 million domestic overnight visitors in FY2023
07
Victoria recorded 18.7 million domestic visitor nights in 2023
08
Western Australia domestic arrivals totaled 7.9 million in 2023
09
South Australia had 4.2 million domestic overnight visitors in 2023
10
Tasmania saw 2.8 million domestic visitors in FY2023
11
Northern Territory domestic travel generated 5.6 million nights in 2023
12
Domestic VFR trips numbered 34 million in 2023
13
42% of domestic trips were for holiday purposes in 2023
14
Average domestic trip spend was AUD 456 per night in 2023
15
Road transport dominated domestic travel at 78% mode share in 2023
16
Domestic aviation passenger numbers reached 78.2 million in FY2023
17
Camping and caravan travel accounted for 12% of domestic nights in 2023
18
Repeat domestic visitors made up 61% of total trips in 2023
19
Urban domestic travel represented 45% of total expenditure in 2023
20
Rural and regional domestic spend was AUD 32 billion in 2023
21
Family group travel dominated domestic market at 52% in 2023
22
Solo domestic travelers increased 8% to 14 million trips in 2023
23
65% of Australians took at least one domestic overnight trip in 2023
Interpretation
Domestic Tourism Interpretation
Australians are clearly opting to explore their own backyard with gusto, proving you don't need a passport for an expensive holiday when you've got a perfectly good caravan, a massive country to drive through, and a nagging sense of duty to visit your relatives.
03 · Category
Economic Impact29 stats
01
In 2023, Australia's tourism industry generated AUD 66.1 billion in total economic contribution, accounting for 3.1% of national GDP
02
Tourism directly supported 238,000 jobs in Australia during 2023, representing 1.8% of total employment
03
Domestic tourism expenditure reached AUD 112.4 billion in FY2023, up 18.5% from the previous year
04
International visitor spending hit AUD 34.2 billion in 2023, recovering to 92% of pre-pandemic levels
05
The tourism sector's total GDP contribution grew by 24.7% year-on-year to AUD 152.6 billion in 2024 projections
06
New South Wales tourism contributed AUD 24.7 billion to GDP in 2023
07
Queensland's visitor economy added AUD 23.8 billion to state GDP in FY2023
08
Victoria's tourism sector generated AUD 18.9 billion in economic value in 2023
09
Western Australia's tourism industry contributed AUD 11.2 billion to GDP pre-COVID, recovering to AUD 10.8 billion in 2023
10
South Australia's tourism expenditure totaled AUD 5.6 billion in 2023
11
Tasmania's tourism sector accounted for 9.2% of state GDP with AUD 3.1 billion in 2023
12
Northern Territory tourism generated AUD 2.4 billion in visitor spend in 2023
13
Australia's aviation sector, linked to tourism, contributed AUD 42 billion to GDP in 2023
14
Food and beverage tourism spending reached AUD 15.3 billion in 2023
15
Cultural tourism generated AUD 12.7 billion in direct spend across Australia in 2023
16
Adventure tourism expenditure totaled AUD 8.9 billion in FY2023
17
Ecotourism contributed AUD 6.4 billion to Australia's economy in 2023
18
Cruise tourism brought AUD 2.1 billion in direct spend to ports in 2023-24 season
19
Business events tourism generated AUD 14.5 billion in 2023
20
Wine tourism expenditure hit AUD 2.8 billion in South Australia alone in 2023
21
Surf tourism contributed AUD 4.2 billion annually to coastal economies in 2023 estimates
22
Australia's international education tourism sector added AUD 40 billion to the economy in 2023
23
Total tourism capital investment reached AUD 12.3 billion in FY2023
24
Tax revenue from tourism totaled AUD 18.7 billion in 2023
25
Multiplier effect of tourism spending was 1.8, generating AUD 2.8 indirect GDP per direct AUD1 in 2023
26
Tourism's share of merchandise exports was 4.1% equivalent in 2023
27
In 2023, holiday visitors spent AUD 28.6 billion
28
VFR (visiting friends and relatives) tourism expenditure was AUD 9.2 billion in 2023
29
Short-term visitor arrivals contributed AUD 45.3 billion in exports in Dec 2023 quarter
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
Australia's tourism industry is essentially the nation's surprisingly fit, triple-threat relative who not only brings home a massive paycheque and employs half the neighbourhood, but also has a lucrative side-hustle in everything from pouring Shiraz to catching waves.
04 · Category
Industry Employment21 stats
01
Domestic tourism employment totaled 145,000 jobs in hospitality in 2023
02
Total tourism jobs recovered to 666,000 in March 2024, 95% of pre-COVID
03
Accommodation services employed 112,000 full-time equivalents in 2023
04
Food services jobs in tourism reached 278,000 in 2023
05
Transport services supported 89,000 tourism jobs in 2023
06
Arts and recreation employed 45,000 in tourism in 2023
07
Regional tourism jobs totaled 312,000, 47% of national total in 2023
08
Youth employment in tourism was 28% under 25 years in 2023 surveys
09
Female workforce share in tourism reached 55% in 2023
10
Indigenous employment in tourism grew to 12,000 jobs in 2023
11
Skills shortage in hospitality affected 65% of operators in 2023
12
Average tourism wage was AUD 62,000 annually in 2023
13
Apprenticeships in tourism numbered 18,500 active in 2023
14
Migrant workers filled 22% of tourism vacancies in 2023
15
Infrastructure projects created 25,000 construction jobs for tourism in 2023
16
Digital skills training reached 45,000 tourism workers in 2023 programs
17
Sustainability roles in tourism grew 15% to 8,200 jobs in 2023
18
Tour guide certifications issued totaled 12,300 in 2023
19
Event management employment hit 34,000 in tourism sector 2023
20
Aviation tourism jobs numbered 56,000 direct in 2023
21
Visitor centres staffed 4,500 FTE across Australia in 2023
Interpretation
Industry Employment Interpretation
Australia’s tourism industry, a humming, people-powered engine now at 95% recovery, is still trying to solve the deliciously ironic puzzle of having 666,000 jobs while 65% of its hospitality operators can’t find enough hands to pour the beer or make the beds.
More related reading
05 · Category
International Tourism19 stats
01
International students numbered 543,000 in Australia in 2023, staying avg 52 weeks
02
Chinese international students contributed 28% of total at 152,000 in 2023
03
Indian students grew to 108,000 enrolments in 2023, +25% YoY
04
Nepal emerged with 40,000 student visas in 2023
05
Vietnamese students totaled 32,000 in 2023
06
Brazilian students reached 15,000 in 2023, Latin America growth
07
Colombian student visas hit 12,000 in 2023
08
77% of international students cited tourism as secondary purpose in 2023 surveys
09
International students spent AUD 2,200 monthly on living expenses avg in 2023
10
Luxury international travelers numbered 1.2 million in 2023, avg spend AUD 8,500
11
Family international travel grew 15% to 2.1 million trips in 2023
12
Adventure international tourists totaled 1.8 million visits in 2023
13
Cultural heritage sites drew 3.4 million international visits in 2023
14
Wildlife tourism attracted 2.9 million international visitors in 2023
15
68% of international visitors engaged in nature-based activities in 2023
16
Food and wine tourism saw 4.2 million international participants in 2023
17
Cruise passenger arrivals totaled 1.5 million in 2023-24
18
Yachting and marine tourism grew to 250,000 international visitors in 2023
19
Sports tourism events hosted 1.1 million international spectators in 2023
Interpretation
International Tourism Interpretation
While the international education sector is busily bankrolling the economy with a diligent army of 543,000 students who are clearly also moonlighting as tourists, the rest of Australia's travel industry is thriving on a delightful smorgasbord of luxury spenders, wildlife-loving families, and cruise passengers, all being happily washed down with a fine local wine.
06 · Category
Transport Aviation18 stats
01
Total aviation passengers in Australia reached 126 million in FY2023
02
Qantas Group carried 52.4 million passengers in 2023, market share 35%
03
Virgin Australia transported 23.1 million pax in FY2023
04
Jetstar carried 15.8 million low-cost passengers in 2023
05
Rex Airlines handled 4.2 million regional pax in 2023
06
International air arrivals via Sydney Airport totaled 14.2 million in 2023
07
Melbourne Airport international passengers hit 10.8 million in 2023
08
Brisbane Airport saw 7.9 million international pax in FY2023
09
Perth Airport international traffic grew 45% to 3.4 million in 2023
10
Gold Coast Airport handled 6.1 million pax, 85% domestic in 2023
11
Regional aviation routes numbered 1,200 with 12 million pax in 2023
12
Average domestic airfare was AUD 145 one-way in Q4 2023
13
Cargo air freight to support tourism logistics was 1.8 million tonnes in 2023
14
On-time performance for domestic flights was 83.2% in 2023
15
New airport infrastructure investment AUD 5.2 billion in 2023-24
16
Cruise ship calls totaled 1,200 at Australian ports in 2023-24
17
Road trips accounted for 82% of domestic transport km in 2023
18
Rail tourism passengers numbered 2.4 million on scenic routes in 2023
Interpretation
Transport Aviation Interpretation
Despite the dominance of cars, low-cost flights, and scenic trains, Australia's travel industry in 2023 was a soaring, if sometimes tardy, symphony of over 126 million aviation passengers, with Qantas firmly conducting more than a third of the orchestra from the front.
07 · Category
Visitor Arrivals22 stats
01
Australia's 8.9 million international visitors in 2023 generated AUD 34 billion in spend
02
New Zealand topped source markets with 1.3 million arrivals in 2023, up 15% YoY
03
Chinese visitors numbered 596,000 in 2023, recovering to 71% of 2019 levels
04
US arrivals reached 785,000 in 2023, with average spend AUD 3,200 per trip
05
UK visitors totaled 612,000 in 2023, staying average 28 nights
06
Singaporean arrivals hit 456,000 in 2023, up 22% from 2022
07
Indian visitors grew to 352,000 in 2023, +28% YoY growth rate
08
German arrivals were 245,000 in 2023, focusing on nature-based travel
09
South Korean visitors numbered 178,000 in 2023, recovering 65% to pre-COVID
10
Japanese arrivals reached 156,000 in 2023, with luxury segment growth
11
Malaysian visitors totaled 421,000 in 2023, short-haul preference
12
Indonesian arrivals grew to 189,000 in 2023, +35% YoY
13
Canadian visitors numbered 298,000 in 2023, high spenders at AUD 4,100 avg
14
French arrivals were 132,000 in 2023, adventure focus
15
Italian visitors totaled 98,000 in 2023, cultural interests
16
Philippine arrivals hit 145,000 in 2023, family travel dominant
17
Saudi Arabian visitors grew to 45,000 in 2023, luxury segment
18
Total short-term visitor arrivals were 9.1 million in FY2023-24
19
Holiday purpose accounted for 51% of international arrivals in 2023
20
Business/leisure arrivals made up 18% of total in 2023
21
Average length of stay for international visitors was 24.3 nights in 2023
22
72% of international visitors arrived by air in 2023
Interpretation
Visitor Arrivals Interpretation
While Kiwis are practically neighbors on a long-term lease and Americans flash their cash in a brief but brilliant burst, the world's tourists collectively propped up the Australian economy in 2023 to the lavish tune of $34 billion, proving that whether they come for a quick sun-soak or a month-long wander, everyone pays to see the sunburned country.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Thomas Lindqvist. (2026, February 13). Australia Travel Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/australia-travel-industry-statistics
MLA
Thomas Lindqvist. "Australia Travel Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/australia-travel-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Thomas Lindqvist. 2026. "Australia Travel Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/australia-travel-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
80 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level