International Arrivals to Australia Surge to Pre-Pandemic High
The number of international arrivals to Australia has reached a remarkable milestone, surging to the highest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a staggering 1.74 million people arrived in Australia from overseas in October, marking a significant increase from the 1.6 million arrivals in September.
This surge in international arrivals represents a remarkable 43 percent increase compared to October 2022 when arrivals were at 1.21 million. The October figures also stand as the highest monthly arrivals since January 2020, just before strict COVID-19 border restrictions were implemented in February of the same year, causing a significant decline in international travel.
Delving deeper into the data for September, the ABS revealed that out of the 1.6 million arrivals, 939,000 were Australian residents returning from short-term international trips. The remaining 640,210 arrivals consisted of overseas visitors coming to Australia, with an overwhelming majority of 584,620 (91.3 percent) coming for short-term stays, compared to 371,850 in September 2022. Additionally, 11,850 permanent arrivals from overseas were recorded for September, reflecting a substantial increase of 36.3 percent from the previous year.
Unsurprisingly, New Zealand emerged as the largest source of overseas visitors to Australia in September, accounting for 128,820 trips. China followed closely behind with 59,080 visits, while the United States recorded 36,400 arrivals.
The ABS data further revealed that over three-quarters of international visitors who arrived in Australia in September were either visiting friends and relatives or enjoying a holiday. This highlights the strong desire among visitors to reconnect with loved ones or explore the beauty of Australia.
On the flip side, the ABS reported that in October, 1.48 million people departed Australia, slightly lower compared to the 1.58 million departures in September. This decline in departures could be attributed to a range of factors, including ongoing travel uncertainties and the reluctance of some individuals to venture abroad amidst the pandemic.
Undoubtedly, the surge in international arrivals to Australia is an encouraging sign for the tourism industry and the broader economy. As international travel begins to gradually rebound, it presents promising opportunities for businesses and communities that rely on tourism. However, it is important to navigate this resurgence cautiously, ensuring the implementation of robust health and safety measures to protect communities and maintain the progress made in containing the spread of COVID-19.
Overall, the surge in international arrivals to Australia reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to successfully manage the challenges posed by the pandemic. As borders gradually reopen, Australia has the chance to reclaim its position as a top global destination, welcoming travelers from around the world eager to experience the country’s natural wonders, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality.
