12 December 2024: Australians are continuing to travel in record numbers, with the latest data revealing Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as the top-growth destinations.
The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) December Travel Trends report uses data from the ABS, Department of Infrastructure and analysis by the ATIA team.
The most recent data shows that in October alone, 1.66 million Australians departed for international destinations, a 12.1% increase on the same month last year.
Japan recorded an astounding 73.8% year-on-year growth (567,330 Australians travelling as of Oct Year End 2024 compared to the same period the previous year). Vietnam was up 35.4% (423,630), and Indonesia was up 26% (1,644,010). In terms of total travellers, Indonesia was the top destination, followed by New Zealand at 1,344,150 (up 8.2%) and the USA at 732,490 (up 13%).
63.6% of Australians travelling in the year prior to October 2024 were holidaying, with 24% visiting friends and relatives, and 5% on business.
Inbound, year-on-year, China is the fastest growing market in terms of visitors to Australia, with a 96.6% increase on last year. Visitors from South Korea to Australia have slightly overtaken Japan, with both showing near 50% growth on last year.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND INDUSTRY AFFAIRS RICHARD TAYLOR:
“Destinations like Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia are seeing unprecedented growth. Japan’s 73.8% year-on-year surge is phenomenal, while Vietnam and Indonesia continue to rise by 35.4% and 26%, respectively. These figures highlight the evolving preferences of Australian travellers.”
“Leisure travel is driving this surge, with 63.6% of Australians travelling for holidays. The strong focus on reconnecting with friends and family, as reflected in 24% of travellers, also highlights the personal value of travel.”
“We know from our members that Australians’ appetite for travel, especially to emerging markets, is always strong. When deciding on your travel plans, whether it’s for holidaying or for business, choose an ATIA-Accredited business to make sure your travel plans deliver.”
For media enquiries, please contact LJ Loch at lj.loch@atia.travel or 0488 038 555
About us:
About ATIA (www.atia.travel):
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.
This year alone, ATIA members booked $13.5 Billion TTV of retail bookings, $11.8 Billion of Corporate Bookings and $5.6 Billion of Land Operations. Typically, at least 70% of all international air sales in Australia are through our members, and over 90% of corporate sales (medium and large businesses), rather than directly through airlines. Whereas with cruises, 73% of travellers use travel advisors to book.
An impressive 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.
ATIA administers the ATIA-Accredited program, which is the largest and most representative accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia. ATIA represents over 1,120 ATIA-Accredited members and over 28,000 employees nationwide, directly supporting 16.98 million Australian travellers every year.
