Australia’s international tourism recovery has reached a significant milestone, with the latest data showing overseas visitor arrivals have recovered to almost pre-pandemic levels.
According to the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia (TRA), Australia welcomed 8.3 million international visitors in the year ending December 2025, representing approximately 95% of 2019 visitation levels, while more recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates monthly arrivals have continued to strengthen during 2026, with some months reaching within 1-2% of pre-pandemic volumes.
The recovery is even stronger when measured by visitor spending. International visitors spent $55.7 billion in Australia during the year ending December 2025, which was 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Total trip expenditure, which includes spending before and after travel, was also 23% above 2019 levels.
Tourism Research Australia reported that while visitor numbers remain slightly below 2019 levels, travellers are staying longer and spending more than they did before the pandemic. International visitor nights were 14% above December 2019 levels, reflecting a trend towards longer stays and higher-value travel.
The recovery has not been uniform across all markets. New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States have been among the strongest-performing markets since borders reopened, while the return of Chinese visitors has been slower than originally forecast.
Recent ABS Overseas Arrivals and Departures data provides further evidence of the sector’s recovery. International visitor arrivals in early 2026 were only marginally below equivalent pre-pandemic levels, with New Zealand remaining Australia’s largest source market.
The latest Tourism Research Australia forecasts anticipate continued growth over the coming years. International visitor arrivals are expected to move beyond pre-pandemic levels as aviation capacity expands and key Asian markets continue their recovery.