Perth Airport.
BREAKING: International tourism in Western Australia has surged back to pre-pandemic levels, with 991,000 international tourists visiting the state in the past year, just 5,000 shy of the 2019 figures. This remarkable recovery, detailed in the latest travel data from Tourism Research Australia, marks a significant 17 percent increase from the previous year.
The uptick in visitors is fueled primarily by travelers from the UK, who accounted for 140,000 visitors. Following closely are tourists from Singapore, New Zealand, China, and Malaysia, rounding out the top five markets. Notably, tourists from China made a significant economic impact, contributing $488 million to the WA economy, while visitors from the UK and Singapore each spent more than $300 million.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby expressed optimism about these figures, stating, “I am incredibly proud to see Western Australia leading the nation in terms of international tourism recovery. These statistics show that international visitors are increasingly choosing WA as their holiday destination.”
The growth isn’t limited to international tourism. Interstate visitation also increased by 12 percent, with more than 1.2 million visitors from other Australian states arriving in WA over the same period. This surge positions Western Australia as the country’s second most popular tourism destination.
Whitby remains confident that this trend will continue, stating, “I’m confident Western Australia will continue to be the destination of choice for travelers as we’re home to such a diverse range of unforgettable locations, events, and businesses that guarantee more holidaymakers will choose our State in 2026.”
As these numbers reflect a robust recovery, the tourism industry is poised for a bright future, inviting even more visitors to experience the unique offerings of Western Australia. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story that underscores the resilience and appeal of WA as a premier travel destination.
