The Australian tourism industry has officially returned to pre-COVID levels: according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of international visitors reached 696,500 in September 2025, up 10,4% from the previous year. This marks a significant milestone—a recovery to 2019 levels.
The main driver of growth was travelers from New Zealand, who accounted for almost 20% of all arrivals and even exceeded 2019 figures. Meanwhile, China is still lagging behind: 83,000 visitors compared to 99,000 before the pandemic. However, other markets—the UK, Singapore, India, South Korea, and Indonesia—showed growth above pre-COVID levels, indicating a diversification of demand sources.
New South Wales stood out, welcoming 256,380 visitors—more than any other state. This confirms Sydney's status as a major international hub. Domestic tourism is also growing: 1,05 million Australians returned from overseas trips, up 2,9% from the previous year.
Experts note that the recovery of tourism has become a significant factor in the country's economy: hotels, restaurants, and transport companies are reporting revenue growth, while new routes are strengthening Australia's connectivity with key markets. Amid global competition, Australia is focusing on diverse offerings and sustainable development to maintain its position and transform its recovery into long-term growth.
The Australian tourism industry has officially returned to pre-COVID levels: according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of international visitors reached 696,500 in September 2025, up 10,4% from the previous year. This marks a significant milestone—a recovery to 2019 levels.
The main driver of growth was travelers from New Zealand, who accounted for almost 20% of all arrivals and even exceeded 2019 figures. Meanwhile, China is still lagging behind: 83,000 visitors compared to 99,000 before the pandemic. However, other markets—the UK, Singapore, India, South Korea, and Indonesia—showed growth above pre-COVID levels, indicating a diversification of demand sources.
New South Wales stood out, welcoming 256,380 visitors—more than any other state. This confirms Sydney's status as a major international hub. Domestic tourism is also growing: 1,05 million Australians returned from overseas trips, up 2,9% from the previous year.
Experts note that the recovery of tourism has become a significant factor in the country's economy: hotels, restaurants, and transport companies are reporting revenue growth, while new routes are strengthening Australia's connectivity with key markets. Amid global competition, Australia is focusing on diverse offerings and sustainable development to maintain its position and transform its recovery into long-term growth.


