Record visitor spending boosts Victorian economy

New information from Tourism Research Australia has revealed that international travellers spent a record $9.3 billion in Victoria in the year to March 2025 - supporting thousands of local jobs.

Welcoming the findings, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said Tourism Research Australia's Domestic Tourism Statistics and International Visitor Survey shows the visitor economy remains a key engine for growth and employment.

Minister Dimopoulos advised "record international spending means more jobs for Victorians - from tour operators to hoteliers and baristas.

"We are investing in major events because it is growing our visitor economy and driving our state."

In the year ending March 2025, Indian travellers spent $810 million in Victoria - an 84% year-on-year increase - while the rest of Australia has declined. China remained the state's largest international market for spend at $2.9 billion, up 23%.

The latest data also confirms Melbourne is the top interstate overnight leisure destination, with 861,000 travellers staying 3.5 million nights and spending $1.4 billion in the March 2025 quarter - outperforming Sydney on trips, nights and expenditure.

This data follows the release of Tourism Research Australia's 2023-24 State Tourism Satellite Account, showing Victoria's record-breaking $40 billion visitor economy supported 288,800 filled jobs - including 183,800 direct tourism jobs - with nearly three quarters in hospitality, accommodation and retail.

Visit Victoria is working with Tourism Australia to train 65,000 global travel agents to promote the state, while supporting local operators to connect with international markets and grow their businesses.

Overall, overnight visitors spent $34.3 billion in Victoria - up 5.6% year-on-year. For the first time, this figure includes overnight stays only, with domestic daytrip data to be added in future releases. This is the first data set from the new Domestic Tourism Statistics program, replacing the National Visitor Survey.

Visit Victoria Chief Executive, Brendan McClements noted "we know travellers want to experience everything we have to offer - from our natural beauty to our blockbuster events and creative experiences that make our state 'Every bit different'."

Image: Melbourne is the top interstate overnight leisure destination. Credit: Global Ballooning.