Qld tourism dominates Australian domestic travel: report

The Sunshine State has reclaimed its crown as Australia’s holiday capital, with domestic holiday-makers flocking north again.

Queensland has reclaimed the crown of Australia’s holiday capital.

New figures to be released on Wednesday from Tourism Research Australia reveal the Sunshine State is basking in a post-Covid-19 glow, with all-time records for total numbers, overnight spending and holiday visitors.

Ten of Queensland’s 11 tourism regions also reported all-time records for domestic visitor spending as the state rides an extraordinary wave of recovery from the pandemic.

The statistics apply to the year to March, with anecdotal reports suggesting the next round of data will see a tapering off as more travellers choose international destinations.

However, the latest figures have been seen as cause for celebration from industry leaders, with visitors – both domestic and international, spending a staggering $32.9 billion.

Even accounting for inflation since a record $27b was spent in 2019, it is an incredible result, with international travel numbers still well short of 2019 figures.

Tourism statistics cover a multitude of reasons for travel, with many “tourists” drawn from the numbers travelling for business, study or visiting relatives, but Queensland’s performance to leapfrog NSW to the top of the pile for domestic holiday-makers signals a return to the glory days of state tourism.

Hayley Davis from Scenic Rim with children Ahna, 12 and Sutton, 8, at Sea World on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

A record 11.3 million Australians holidayed in Queensland in the year to March, up 24 per cent on last year and well above 2019 figures.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the data was proof that the state’s tourism industry was in good stead.

“These terrific results show the full recovery of Queensland’s domestic visitor economy from the wrecking ball of the global Covid pandemic,” he said.

“In the last year, more Australians shared Queensland’s great lifestyle and spent more holiday nights here than ever before, confirming our place as the nation’s top holiday destination.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said it was important for the industry to maintain the momentum, even as more Aussies start to plan returns to overseas travel.

“We’re Australia’s top holiday state, and we want to make sure we stay on top,” she said.

The Gold Coast is often a barometer for the Queensland tourism industry, and it set another record, with 4.2m overnight visitors in the year to March flocking to the city’s beaches, bars and theme parks.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa said the Gold Coast attractions were experiencing a “wonderful” start to the school holiday period.

“The Gold Coast is the perfect destination for visitors from Southern States to escape the cold and enjoy all of our city’s offerings including our theme parks which offer unparalleled experiences for visitors,” he said.

Originally published as Qld tourism dominates Australian domestic travel: report