Australia Prepares Its Next Tourism Act as Asian Arrivals Rise
Australia is entering 2026 with a steadily improving inbound tourism outlook. For the year ending September 2025, international visitor arrivals increased from 8.1 million to 8.6 million, driven primarily by China and the UK. Industry leaders describe the recovery as measured rather than rapid, but increasingly consistent, with visitors staying longer and spending more.
Cost pressures reshape outbound travel patterns
Outbound travel from Australia continues to surge, rising from 11.3 million to 12.4 million trips in 2025. However, rising long-haul airfares to Europe and the Americas are reshaping destination choices.
According to Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long, travellers are increasingly prioritising value, proximity and cultural depth. Japan, Vietnam and China are emerging as preferred destinations, a trend expected to strengthen further in 2026.
Strategic partnerships support inbound demand
Inbound recovery is being reinforced through targeted partnerships. Tourism and Events Queensland has teamed up with Klook to reach six key Asian markets, while Visit Victoria has expanded its collaboration with Trip.com. These alliances enhance Australia’s visibility across digital booking ecosystems in Asia and improve conversion rates for experiential travel.
What’s new in Australia for 2026
Australia is rolling out a pipeline of experience-led tourism products:
Queensland
The world-first Happitat Adventure Park opens at Lamington National Park, combining cliff-based activities such as ziplining, via ferrata climbs, sky bridges and rainforest immersion. Premium full-day tickets start at A$497.
Lindeman Island Resort is set to reopen as an eco-luxury destination following a major redevelopment of the former Club Med site.
New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales launches a free, interactive installation by artist Mike Hewson, running until August 2026.
South Australia
Tasting Australia and Journey Beyond introduce multi-modal culinary journeys by rail, road and air, linking Australia’s top food and wine regions with immersive travel experiences.
Outlook for 2026
Australia’s tourism sector is transitioning from recovery to repositioning. Asia-led demand, value-driven travel behaviour and investment in distinctive experiences are helping the country adapt to global cost pressures while strengthening long-term competitiveness.
Australia’s tourism strategy for 2026 reflects a shift toward quality growth, with Asia, experiential travel and platform partnerships emerging as core pillars of future performance.