News
1 April, 2024
Queensland Leads Australia’s Domestic and International Tourism Recovery
Queensland has maintained its position as Australia’s leading domestic holiday destination, capturing 28.1 per cent of the national holiday expenditure market in 2023, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA)
Queensland has maintained its position as Australia’s leading domestic holiday destination, capturing 28.1 per cent of the national holiday expenditure market in 2023, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA). The state’s domestic overnight visitor expenditure (OVE) reached $28.3 billion, marking a 1.8 per cent increase from the previous year, with Brisbane, Southern Queensland Country, Townsville, and Mackay regions seeing record OVE.
TRA’s International Visitor Survey also revealed that Queensland’s international visitor expenditure is recovering faster than the national average. In 2023, international visitors stayed almost six nights longer and spent more than they did in 2019. Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Southern Great Barrier Reef set records for international OVE.
As Queensland heads into the Easter school holidays, which run from March 29 to April 29, the state is set to receive up to $2.5 billion in visitor spending. This is boosted by 18 Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ)-supported events, expected to contribute $32 million to the economy.
Acting Tourism Minister Scott Stewart highlighted the strong tourism rebound:
“Queensland continues to be the country’s number one holiday destination, and with international visitors returning, it’s been a real boost for our tourism sector. We’re also looking forward to the annual Easter school holiday surge, which injects billions into Queensland’s economy.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan pointed to the positive signs for Queensland tourism, especially with international markets exceeding pre-pandemic spending levels. She added, “Queensland’s events and experiences continue to attract millions of visitors, with the 2024 Easter holidays set to be another success.”
