He revealed that as part of the Australian Government's Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040, the Department of Trade and Tourism has committed to strengthening engagement with Southeast Asia, particularly in attracting more tourists from the region to visit Australia.
The latest statistics indicate that Vietnam remained Australia's fastest growing international tourism market with the number of Vietnamese travelers to the Oceanic country being 50% higher compared to the pre-pandemic levels, opening up a wealth of opportunities for Australian travel firms moving forward.
In fact, international tourism in this market has rebounded compared to the pre-COVID period, with many international visitors returning, staying longer and spending more.
In the first quarter of the year, international travelers stayed in Australia for a total of 87.5 million nights, equivalent to 105% of the level before the pandemic.
Foreign arrivals spent 99% of pre-pandemic levels, thereby pumping US$6.82 billion into the Australian economy.
Currently, New Zealand, China, the United States, the UK, and India make up Australia's top five international tourism markets. The Department of Trade and Tourism is therefore working to encourage more tourists from around the world to book holidays to visit Australia.
