Western Australia is leading the nation with its international visitor spending growth rate of 44 per cent, while domestically, the state experienced a decrease.
Western Australia’s international visitor spending has increased by 44 per cent for the year ending in June, while domestically the state experienced a decrease.
Tourism Research Australia data released last week showed international visitor spending increased to $3.5 billion compared to the year ending in June 2024.
International trips also increased by 15 per cent to 941,000.
Domestically, the TRA data told a different story as the state was down by 14 per cent or $383 million to $2.3 billion in the June quarter compared to the same period last year.
This was the second largest decline rate in domestic visitor spending after the ACT and the second highest loss after Victoria.
Domestic overnight trips increased by 5 per cent to 2.5 million, which was the second highest growth rate after the Northern Territory.
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said the more modest domestic numbers were due to shorter stays and lower per-trip outlays.
“Domestic demand is healthy, but the mix has shifted,” he said.
“Our task is to lift yield through compelling packages, premium experiences and events that encourage longer stays and higher spend, particularly from interstate markets.”
However, the state’s peak association for the hotel and hospitality industry primarily welcomed the results, with Mr Woods saying they “confirm WA is converting global demand into real economic gains for local businesses, jobs and communities”.
“Western Australia is back in a big way. International visitors are coming in larger numbers, staying longer and spending significantly more across our state,” he said.
“This is translating into stronger trading for hotels, hospitality venues and tourism operators from Perth to the regions.”
Bradley Woods mostly welcomed the results as a testament to the state's work in the tourism industry.
The increases aligned with AHA WA’s research with CoStar, which showed Perth had the highest national average occupancy across the same period.
According to AHA WA, Perth maintained occupancy from 74 to 86 per cent with strong months from September to November.
“WA’s tourism momentum is unmistakable,” Mr Woods said.
“With continued investment in aviation capacity, major events, marketing and workforce, we can sustain this growth and deliver even greater benefits for local jobs and small businesses.
“The message to the world is clear: Western Australia is open, confident and offering exceptional value.”
Accor, with 23 hotels across WA, announced in August it was holding higher occupancy rates in its Perth hotels for the end of the year than in 2025.
At the time, occupancy was set to be 25 per cent higher in October and 39 per cent higher in November compared to last year.
The global hotel operator attributed the rise to the Bledisloe Cup taking place in Perth this weekend and the Ashes Test in late November.
Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams previously said the hotel sector was benefiting from a range of drivers.
“Perth is shaping up for one of its most dynamic years in over a decade, with the combination of international cricket, rugby, and growing corporate and leisure travel creating strong momentum,” he said.
“The Ashes is proving to be a major catalyst, not just for match-day bookings but for extended stays, with visitors looking to explore everything the city and surrounding regions have to offer.
“Similarly, the Bledisloe Cup is providing a strong springboard for October demand across both corporate and leisure markets.”
Tourism WA’s latest annual report showed the state was $1.3 billion off its target of $18.5 billion spent by visitors.
In overnight visitors, the state was 4 million people under Tourism WA’s target of 12.1 million.
“While the 2024–25 target of $18.5 billion has not been met due to an unexpected contraction in domestic visitor spend, which is likely driven by cost-of-living pressures and strong growth in outbound (overseas) travel, international visitor spend continues to grow, outpacing the anticipated growth rate when the target was set,” the report said.
