The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s December Travel Trends report shows that Australians continue to travel in record numbers.

The latest data reveals that Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia are the top-growth destinations.

The report also shows that, in October alone, 1.66 million Australians departed for international destinations, a 12.1 percent increase on the same month last year.

63.6 percent of Australians travelling in the year prior to October 2024 were holidaying, with 24 percent visiting friends and relatives, and five percent on business.

Richard Taylor, ATIA director of membership and industry affairs, remarked: “We know from our members that Australians’ appetite for travel, especially to emerging markets, is always strong. When deciding on your travel plans, whether it’s for holidaying or for business, choose an ATIA-Accredited business to make sure your travel plans deliver.”

The report featured data from the ABS, Department of Infrastructure, and analysis by the ATIA team.

Where Australians are keen on travelling

Japan recorded an astounding 73.8 percent year-on-year growth, with 567,330 Australians travelling to the country as of end-October, compared to the same period the previous year. 

Vietnam was up 35.4 percent (423,630) and Indonesia was 26 percent (1,644,010). 

In terms of total travellers, Indonesia was the top destination, followed by New Zealand at 1,344,150 up 8.2 percent, and the USA at 732,490, up 13 percent from last year.

Inbound, year-on-year, China is the fastest growing market in terms of visitors to Australia, with a 96.6 percent increase on last year. 

Visitors from South Korea to Australia have slightly overtaken Japan, with both showing near 50 percent growth on last year.