First 16 months of Coronavirus pandemic removes $101 billion from Australian tourism

Australia’s tourism industry has seen more than $101 billion wiped from its balance sheet between the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 up until 30th June this year.

The latest Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data showed that international travel was unsurprisingly the worst performer down 94% ($53 billion), while domestic overnight trips fell 36% ($38.3 billion).

However, border closures saw a rise in Australians taking longer self-drive trips within their home state, with the TRA advising “in the year ending June 2021, the share of intrastate overnight trips and spend increased across all states and territories.

“Nationally the share of overnight intrastate trips increased from 68% to 80% for overnight trips and 45% to 65% spend (for the year to June 2021).”

While regional destinations weathered the storm better, their counterparts in the major cities were not so fortunate, with overnight trips to capital cities dropping 28%.

Business travel was also hammered, with overnight trips falling 47% and spend reduced by 53% since March last year.

Nonetheless, the TRA data did show some positive signs, noting “vaccination rates are rapidly approaching the levels needed to open up our economy.

“Restrictions are slowly easing. Qantas is accepting bookings to Canada, the UK and Singapore.

“Tourism Research Australia expects demand and traveller confidence will soon return. But it depends on increased travel certainty and people taking care to stay COVID-19 safe.”

Image: Sea World's Storm Coaster.