Report shows tourist spending

A new report has revealed the domestic visitor spend across Australia’s states and territories, as well as key figures on international visitors.

The report, by Tourism Research Australia, shows that domestic spending in NSW exceeded $15 billion in the year to June 30, and reached almost $14 billion in Queensland and almost $10 billion in Victoria.

Domestic spending was worth $4.8 billion in Western Australia, $3.3 billion in South Australia, $1.7 billion in Tasmania, $1.2 billion in the Northern Territory and $829 million in the Australian Capital Territory, according to the report.

Sydney attracted 2.6 million international tourists, who spent on average $1569 and stayed on average 15 nights, while Melbourne attracted 1.3 million international tourists, who spent on average $1724 and stayed on average 17 nights.

Perth attracted 612,000 international tourists, but they recorded the highest expenditure and longest stays: an average $1712 over an average 21 nights.

“Domestic and international travellers in Australia are major contributors to the Australian economy, particularly in regional areas,” Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said.

4 Nov 2005