Australia’s August travel numbers show an interesting shift, and India continues to play a key role in this surge. With 34,460 short-term trips from India to Australia in August 2024, we’re seeing a steady increase in Indian visitors, up by 13.9% compared to the previous year. These numbers are now higher than pre-pandemic levels, where India recorded 33,310 visitors back in August 2019. As the world adapts to a post-pandemic landscape, this rise signals growing interest from Indian travellers, whether for tourism, education, or business.
This uptick in arrivals from India to Australia shows deepening ties between the two nations. From the cricketing camaraderie to a shared appetite for economic collaboration, Australia has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indian visitors. Education continues to be one of the major drivers, with thousands of students arriving each year to pursue studies in Australian universities. While the overall number of international student arrivals has dipped by 2,150 compared to last year, the Indian student community remains a crucial part of Australia’s academic landscape.
The broader picture of Australia’s travel data suggests that international arrivals are recovering. The total number of short-term visitor arrivals in August 2024 stood at 658,810, marking a 9.2% increase over the previous year. However, these figures are still 16.5% below the pre-COVID peak in August 2019. This gap is a lingering reminder of the pandemic’s disruption, with global travel yet to return to its former heights. Nevertheless, the steady growth we see today indicates cautious optimism.
New Zealand remains Australia’s top source of visitors, contributing 112,780 short-term trips, while China and Japan follow closely behind with 78,550 and 54,420 visitors respectively. The recovery in Chinese tourism is especially notable—a 33.6% increase from last year suggests that Chinese tourists are eager to revisit Australia as international travel restrictions ease. This bounce-back, combined with the rising numbers from India, shows that Asia remains a key region driving Australia’s inbound tourism.
Australians, too, have been eager to take advantage of relaxed travel restrictions. The data shows that 916,890 Australians returned from short-term trips in August 2024, a 6.8% rise from last year. Indonesia, as always, remains the most popular destination for Australians, with 158,730 resident returns, making up 17% of all trips abroad. New Zealand and the UK also see strong numbers, with 106,450 and 62,930 returns respectively. These figures suggest that while domestic tourism remains significant, Australians are once again looking beyond their shores for travel opportunities.
A state-wise breakdown of visitor arrivals shows New South Wales as the most popular destination within Australia, attracting 240,840 visitors in August. Victoria followed with 153,480 arrivals, and Queensland recorded 164,980 visitors. These three states account for the lion’s share of international arrivals, reinforcing their status as Australia’s key entry points. For India, many of its travellers head to these very regions, particularly for study and business opportunities.
Long-term trends show a slight dip in permanent arrivals and long-term visitor numbers. Permanent arrivals fell by 5.6%, while long-term visitor arrivals dropped by 1.0%. These numbers may reflect global challenges, including economic conditions and shifting visa regulations, which have impacted migration flows. However, short-term travel is seeing a steady recovery, as evidenced by the uptick in both visitor and resident movements.
This August surge shows that the travel industry is on the rebound, and both nations stand to gain from their growing connection. With 34,460 visitors arriving in August alone, and with numbers expected to rise, the bond between Australia and India has never been stronger. As we look ahead to this year’s Australia-India cricket season, with India visiting, it raises the question: how much further will these figures climb? One thing is certain—this connection is only becoming more significant with each passing year.
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August saw 34,460 Indian visitors to Australia, a 13.9% rise from last year, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. As ties deepen, how do you see this trend evolving? 🌏✈️📈🎉🤝 #TheIndianSun @ABSStatshttps://t.co/6gzzG7uQLe
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) October 16, 2024
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