Outbound holiday travel by Australians experienced a significant 26 per cent increase over the April to June 2024 quarter, compared to the same period in 2023, the latest data analysis from the Council of Australian Tour Operators reveals.

This upward trend highlights a revitalised enthusiasm for international travel, CATO said, and most notably that leisure is trending higher than other forms of outbound travel across various regions, age groups, and travel durations.

In other findings, holiday travel continues to dominate as the primary reason for Australians heading overseas, accounting for 60 per cent of all outbound travel in the June quarter, an increase from 2023 where holidays represented 57 per cent of all outbound travel.

The total number of holiday travellers for the quarter surged by 26 per cent, with a significant increase in trips to South-East Asia and North-East Asia. The latter witnessed the most dramatic growth, with a 75 per cent increase in travellers, highlighting the region’s growing appeal to Australian tourists.

“Outbound leisure travel plays a crucial role in the Australian economy, offering a complementary balance to inbound tourism,” CATO managing director Brett Jardine said. “By fostering international relationships, expanding cultural understanding, and driving demand for Australian products and services abroad, outbound travel enhances Australia’s global economic footprint.

“The symbiotic relationship between outbound and inbound travel ensures a robust and dynamic tourism industry, vital for Australia’s long-term economic prosperity,” he added.

Regional preferences

Asia remains the most popular region for Australian holidaymakers, with South-East Asia representing 41 per cent of all holiday travel. This reflects Australia’s strong travel ties with the region, driven by proximity, cultural diversity, and affordability.

Travel duration

The number of travellers taking trips of six days or less saw an increase of 39 per cent, reflecting a shift towards nearby Asia. Meanwhile, seven- to 14-day trips remain the most popular duration, making up 41 per cent of all holiday travel in 2024. The shift towards shorter, more frequent holidays may also suggest a growing preference for balance between work, life, and travel among Australian consumers.

Demographic insights

Younger travellers (aged 18-35) and mid-age travellers (aged 36-50) are the most active in the holiday market, each representing 24 per cent of total holiday travel in 2024. These age groups are leading the charge in exploring global destinations, particularly in Asia, where growth has been most pronounced.

Overall, the April to June 2024 data paints a positive picture of the outbound travel market in Australia, with substantial growth across various sectors. This resurgence highlights the travel industry’s recovery and the evolving preferences of Australian travellers. As the year progresses, we anticipate these trends to continue.