Victoria is outperforming key competitors around Australia and welcoming more international visitors than ever before, the latest International Visitor Survey results show.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said the data proves the Andrews Labor Government’s efforts to retain Victoria’s status as a world leader for tourism is working.
Victoria recorded a 13.6 per cent increase in international visitor arrivals year-on-year, and a 16.6 per cent increase in visitor nights – both exceeding the national average.
In the year ending December 2015, expenditure by international visitors grew by 30.4 per cent to reach $6.5 billion – far higher than the national average of 19.5 per cent.
The data also shows Victoria is recording growth in international visitor expenditure in its key markets, including:
- China – +59.2 per cent
- Singapore – +35.7 per cent
- United Kingdom – +31.7 per cent
- India – +29.8 per cent
- United States – +24.6 per cent
- New Zealand – +20.4 per cent
International visitation to regional Victoria is increasing. The regions recorded a 35.9 per cent increase in international overnight visitors from Eastern markets, and a 14.6 per cent increase from Western markets.
Victoria is leading Australia in international tourism growth – the data proves it – but the Andrews Labor Government will never be complacent. We’re working hard to drive visitation to Melbourne and regional Victoria, because it means jobs and growth.
The Labor Government recently unveiled Visit Victoria, the state’s new world-leading entity that will be responsible for an exciting new era in tourism and major events. Visit Victoria will bring the key bodies together under the one roof to attract new streams of visitors and secure the events that put the state on the world stage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This data is a clear indication we’re a world-class destination high on the travel list of people right around the world – and we’re headed in the right direction.”
“Competition for visitation is fierce in Australia, so we’re thrilled the latest figures show we’re outperforming our interstate competitors in the growth of international visitors.”
“But we won’t be complacent. The visitor economy is crucial to Victoria’s prosperity. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government is working hard to refresh our strategy and change our game plan as we strive to welcome more visitors than ever before.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020