The Western Australian tourism industry has reason to celebrate, with Tourism Research Australia's latest data revealing the number of visitors to WA, and their total spend, has again reached an all-time high.
According to the latest National Visitor Survey (NVS) and International Visitor Survey (IVS) results, which were released today, WA had a record-breaking 2.76 million out-of-state (international and interstate) visitors last financial year.
The number of total overnight visitors in 2018-19 was 11.6 million people who, together with day-trippers, spent $10.5 billion in the State - an increase of 16.4 per cent on the previous year. Of this, $4.9 billion (47 per cent) was spent in regional WA.
The number of overnight holiday visitors to Western Australia reached 4.7 million, an increase of 16.5 per cent on the previous year.
International holiday visitors were the highest on record for WA, with the number of holiday visitors increasing by 12.8 per cent to 506,300 - the strongest growth rate of all of Australia's States and Territories.
International holiday spend was also the highest WA has ever seen, with an increase of 21.4 per cent to $844 million - well above the national average increase of 6.7 per cent in this sector.
The NVS results revealed WA had 1.8 million interstate visitors in 2018-19, an increase of 17.3 per cent on the previous year. These visitors spent $1.77 billion, with both figures the highest on record.
Of those interstate visitors, 452,000 came to WA for a holiday - a 15 per cent increase on 2017-18 - and spent $715 million.
The NVS survey also showed growing numbers of Western Australians are holidaying at home, with intrastate holiday trips increasing by 17.2 per cent to 3.7 million and corresponding spend up 27.7 per cent to $2.3 billion.
To view the detailed NVS and IVS results for the year ending June 2019, visit http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"I'm extremely happy with the latest visitor results, which prove that all our hard work in promoting WA as a desirable holiday destination is paying off.
"Not only are the holiday numbers and spend the highest on record in WA, for both international and national visitors, but we are showing the highest international holiday visitor growth of all Australian States and Territories - and that's something to be very proud of.
"While these results are fantastic, we will not be slowing down our efforts to attract more people to WA.
"I'm confident that with our recent $12 million international marketing boost, bumper year of events, new direct flights and ongoing international and domestic marketing campaigns, we will continue to see those numbers rise in future."
Minister's office - 6552 5600
