International trips taken by Australian residents in 2024 exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, with Japan seeing a record number of visitors.
Despite the cost of living crisis, overseas travel bounced back in 2024 with the number of international trips taken by Australian residents surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, Australian residents took 11.4 million trips in the 12 months to October this year (the most recent month for which figures are available), roughly 150,000 more trips than for the same period in 2019.
But while some destinations experienced record visitation from Australians, others still lagged behind the numbers they received before the pandemic. Our love affair with Japan continued to blossom, helped by a weak yen, with a record 765,000 visitors heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, up more than 50 per cent on pre-pandemic levels and more than 70 per cent on the same period for 2023, making it the third most-visited country, behind Indonesia and New Zealand. Regular visitor to Japan Michelle Mackintosh of Melbourne, who with partner Steve Wide has written multiple travel books on the country including a just-published “It is like another world and I do believe that anyone who goes there comes home so exhilarated with the experience that all of their friends then book,” she said. Mackintosh cites the ease of getting there, the lack of jet lag (Japan is only two hours behind Australia’s Eastern Standard Time), the weak yen and the local culture as key drivers.However, the couple have noticed a change in recent times as the country struggles to cope with the influx of tourists.“In the big cities, it’s really changed considerably,” said Wide. “Now there are big queues for places that have been mentioned in Time Out (magazine) that aren’t particularly any better than other places around it, or something gets picked up on by the internet and all of a sudden you can’t get in there any mor
TRAVEL AUSTRALIA JAPAN PANDEMIC TOURISM
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Filmmaker Leigh Whannell Prepares for Hollywood Horror and Australian FestivalLeigh Whannell, a prominent Australian filmmaker, is preparing for the release of a new Hollywood horror film while also participating in the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Festival. The festival, dubbed 'Sundance at Surfers', aims to attract both film professionals and tourists.
Read more »
Australian grand slam champion Max Purcell accepts doping ban on eve of Australian Open7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Saudi Arabia Travel Woes and Air Travel EtiquetteThe author recounts their recent trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting various challenges such as limited tourist attractions, lack of mobile coverage, and restrictions on alcohol and transportation. They also criticize the lack of proper airline conduct regarding young children using loud tablets during flights.
Read more »
'Time for them to come home': Remaining Bali Nine members back on Australian soilThe five men have been returned to Australia under an arrangement agreed between Indonesia and Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Read more »
Australian pastor 'relieved' remaining Bali Nine members back in AustraliaThe Melbourne pastor who has ministered to the Bali Nine members for many years expresses her gratitude to the Indonesian president for allowing the remaining five men to return to Australia.
Read more »
Vanuatu Tourism Hopes for Australian Tourist Bounce Back After EarthquakeA magnitude-7.3 earthquake devastated Port Vila, Vanuatu, causing building collapses and disruptions to essential services. While the focus is on recovery efforts, tourism businesses are optimistic about a post-Christmas tourism revival, with Australian tourists expected to play a crucial role in the nation's economic recovery.
Read more »