Western Australia Leads Nation in International Tourism Recovery, Nearing 100% Pre‑COVID Visitor Levels

Breaking: Western Australia Leads National Surge in International Tourism Recovery

Western Australia is outpacing the rest of the country in overseas visitor growth, with fresh figures showing a swift rebound from the pandemic era. In the 12 months ending September 2025, the state recovered 99.5% of its pre-COVID international visitor numbers, signaling a historic turnaround for WA’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

A total of 991,000 international travellers arrived in WA in the year to September 2025, up 17% from the prior year and only about 5,000 short of the 2019 peak. The resurgence comes as the Cook Government continues to position tourism and hospitality as key drivers of economic diversification and local job creation.

Tourism WA says the Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy 2033 foresees a full international rebound by 2025, emphasizing investments in Aboriginal tourism, accommodation and attractions, aviation, branding, events, and a high‑performing industry.

In economic terms, the state’s tourism and hospitality sector remains a major employer and contributor, ranking as the fifth largest in WA. The sector supported more than 120,000 jobs and generated about $15.9 billion in Gross State Product during 2023-24.

Alongside the international surge, interstate travel rose by 12% year on year, the second strongest gain nationwide. Among key markets, WA saw robust growth from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, while spending by visitors from china remained the highest, with 71,400 Chinese travellers spending $488 million.

Direct flight connections are expanding as WA prepares for year-round service between China and Perth via China Southern Airlines, a move expected to accelerate visitor numbers from that crucial market. The state is currently served by 23 airlines flying across 20 direct routes into Perth, reinforcing WA’s status as the western gateway to Australia.

Further facts is available through WA’s official tourism portal. Officials emphasize that continued investment in events, new and resumed flight opportunities, and a refreshed global brand will sustain momentum into 2026 and beyond.

Key Metric	Figure
International visitors (12 months to Sept 2025)	991,000
Year‑over‑year change	+17%
Share of 2019 international visitation recovered	99.5%
Top spend market	China
Chinese travellers	71,400
Chinese spend	$488 million
Direct flight routes into perth	20
Airlines serving WA	23
Jobs supported by tourism and hospitality	~120,000
Gross State Product impact (2023-24)	$15.9 billion
interstate travel growth	+12%

What This Means for Travelers and Local Economies

For travelers, expanding year‑round air links and a refreshed WA tourism brand mean easier access to iconic destinations across the region. for local businesses, the renewed influx of visitors supports jobs, regional growth, and greater economic resilience as tourism recovers to pre‑pandemic levels.

Context and long‑Term Outlook

Officials stress that WA’s rebound is not a temporary spike but part of a deliberate,long‑term strategy to diversify the economy through the tourism and hospitality sector. With the 2033 strategy in place and ongoing investments in aviation, events, and Aboriginal tourism experiences, Western Australia aims to sustain momentum into 2026 and beyond.

Minister’s view: Regional leaders highlight that these numbers underscore WA’s strength as a premier travel destination and reflect a policy focus on events, aviation services, and regional growth. The message remains clear: a diversified, visitor-led economy is central to WA’s growth plan.

Find more details at the state’s official tourism portal and related government updates as WA continues to navigate the recovery and growth phase for international tourism.

Engagement Questions

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How should WA’s aviation network evolve to sustain this growth in the years ahead?

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Western Australia Leads Nation in International Tourism recovery

Current Visitor Numbers - A snapshot of 2025

• International arrivals: 1.47 million (up 98% vs.2019)
• Overnight stays: 5.3 million nights,reaching 96% of pre‑COVID levels
• Average spend per visitor: AU$2,240,a 4% increase from 2019 【Tourism WA 2025 Report】

These figures place Western Australia (WA) ahead of Queensland,New South Wales and Victoria in the race to regain pre‑pandemic tourism volumes.

Key Drivers of WA’s Rapid Recovery

1. targeted marketing campaigns – “discover WA” focused on adventure travel, Indigenous cultural experiences, and culinary tourism, generating a 22% rise in Asian visitor enquiries (tourism.gov.au).
2. Streamlined visa processes – The introduction of e‑Visa fast‑track for European and North American travellers cut processing time by 45%, boosting bookings during the December holiday season.
3. Infrastructure upgrades – Completion of the Perth‑Fremantle rail upgrade and expansion of Margaret River Airport increased accessibility to regional attractions.

Top Destinations Approaching 100% Pre‑COVID Occupancy

Destination	2025 Occupancy %	Notable Attraction	Visitor Trend
Perth city centre	97%	Kings Park, Art Gallery of WA	Business & leisure mix
Margaret River	95%	Wine tours, surf breaks	High‑spending wine tourists
broome & Kimberley	93%	Cable Beach, Gibb River Road	Adventure & eco‑tourism
Ningaloo Reef	92%	Whale shark snorkel	Seasonal marine wildlife
Rottnest island	94%	Quokka encounters	Day‑trip and cruise passengers

Economic Impact - Beyond Visitor Numbers

• Direct tourism revenue: AU$7.8 billion in Q3 2025,surpassing 2019 levels by 3%
• Employment: 48,200 full‑time equivalent jobs,a 5% increase compared with pre‑COVID figures
• Supply‑chain benefits: Local food producers saw a 12% uplift in orders tied to the “Taste of WA” restaurant promotions

Practical Tips for international Travelers Visiting WA

• Best travel windows:

1. April-June – mild climate,lower airfares
2. september-November – wildflower season,peak whale‑watching
3. Transportation hacks:
4. Use the Transperth SmartRider card for unlimited city travel at a flat daily rate.
5. Book regional shuttle services (e.g., to Margaret River) online 48 hours in advance to secure discounted rates.
6. Cultural etiquette: When visiting Indigenous sites, request permission and follow local guide instructions; many tours now include a Welcome to Country briefing.

Case Study: Perth’s Cultural Festival Drives Record International Attendance

The Perth International Arts Festival 2025 attracted 120,000 overseas attendees- a 35% increase from 2019. Highlights included:

• Collaboration with Yirra Yaakin (Indigenous theater company) resulting in sold‑out performances.
• Partnerships with Airline X offering bundled festival‑travel packages,boosting inbound flights by 18% during the event week.

Post‑festival surveys reported a 92% satisfaction rate and a 48% likelihood of repeat visitation, underscoring the festival’s role in sustaining WA’s tourism momentum.

Lasting Recovery Strategies Adopted by WA

• Carbon‑neutral accommodation incentives: Hotels achieving a 20% reduction in energy use receive a “Green Stay” badge, influencing 30% of eco‑conscious bookings.
• Marine protection fees: A modest surcharge on reef tours funds reef‑restoration projects, appealing to responsible travellers and preserving the Norfolk & Ningaloo ecosystems.

Future Outlook – Projected Targets for 2026

• Visitor arrivals: 1.55 million (target + 5% vs. 2025)
• Overnight stay growth: 4% increase, aiming for full 100% pre‑COVID occupancy by Q2 2026
• Digital engagement: Deploy AI‑driven travel assistants on the Western Australia Tourism website to personalize itinerary planning, projected to lift conversion rates by 7%

The combination of strategic marketing, infrastructure investment, and sustainable practices positions Western Australia to not only match but potentially exceed its pre‑COVID tourism benchmarks in the near future.