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The top overseas destination for Aussies again & the latest trending hotspot with 100%+ growth

Australians can’t seem to get enough of this perennially popular leisure travel destination as Indonesia is still our top holiday hotspot in 2024 with 1.59 million Aussies heading over there – up 34 per cent year-on-year. Japan takes the top spot for trending destinations with a 103.4 per cent rise in Australian visitors.

Australians can’t seem to get enough of this perennially popular leisure travel destination as Indonesia is still our top holiday hotspot in 2024 with 1.59 million Aussies heading over there – up 34 per cent year-on-year. Japan takes the top spot for trending destinations with a 103.4 per cent rise in Australian visitors.

Using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Department of Infrastructure data to August 2024, the latest Australian Travel Industry Association ATIA Travel Trends Report shows Aussies are travelling at record levels with unprecedented growth in 2024.

Other top international destinations for Australian travellers include New Zealand (up 10%) and the US (up 16.7%).

Woman with backpack in Hanoi, Vietnam. ATIA Travel Trends Report
Vietnam visitation is up 40.1 per cent among Australians in 2024. Image: Shutterstock

Thailand (up 20.2%) and Vietnam (up 40.1%) have also seen massive uptake, reflecting a shift in more adventurous and diversified travel destinations.

Holidays are still the primary reason for outbound travel in 2024, accounting for almost two-thirds (60.2%) of trips.

Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) comprised 26.7 per cent of travel while business travel showed modest growth, representing 5.8 per cent of total trips.

Woman looking at view from temple in Japan.
Japan is the fastest-growing international destination for outbound Aussies. Image: Shutterstock

For Australian international air travel market share, Qantas dominated the list with 16.1 per cent share, followed by Jetstar at 12 per cent and Singapore Airlines at 8.8 per cent.

ATIA Travel Trends Report takeaways

ATIA CEO Dean Long said the October 2024 ATIA Travel Trends Report shows strong growth with the industry well-positioned for continued recovery as consumer confidence strengthens and capacity expands.

“Australians have a renewed confidence in international travel and they’re eager to explore both near and far-flung destinations,” he said.

ATIA CEO Dean Long.
ATIA CEO Dean Long.

“This strong momentum in outbound travel reflects a significant mindset shift. Australians aren’t just travelling for holidays anymore – business travel is making a comeback and visits to friends and relatives remain a major driver.

“This is not a short-term rebound; it’s a long-term trend that shows Australians are eager to make up for lost time.

“Looking ahead, ATIA will continue to work closely with airlines and the broader travel industry. With demand surging, it’s vital we see an expansion in airline capacity and infrastructure to support the growing numbers,” he said.