Australians flocked to Europe and other international destinations en masse last year, but domestic tourism, too, has rebounded strongly since the country reopened. Government figures show domestic visitor spend is on track to reach $172.6 billion by 2028 – 61 per cent more than before the pandemic lockdowns. Meanwhile, 9.3 million international tourists are expected to visit Australia this year, reaching 98 per cent of 2019 levels.
Fortunately, there are plenty of new hotel openings, expanded festival offerings and fresh itineraries to tempt travellers to go local. Book soon to avoid disappointment.
Fiona CarruthersTravel editorFiona Carruthers has written and edited travel for the Financial Review for almost a decade. She has held senior roles with ABC Radio National, Deutsche Welle Radio, TIME and The Australian, and was deputy editor of Traveller. Email Fiona at fcarruthers@afr.com
