- Domestic spending was $1.02 billion in September 2022
- Tourism Research Australia figures show domestic spend in WA is back to pre-COVID-19 levels
- Regional WA and Perth both benefit from significant increases in spending
The latest Tourism Research Australia figures show Western Australia topped $1 billion in domestic spending for the first time since early 2019.
The report reveals WA's domestic tourism market has now bounced back to pre-COVID-19 levels in a major economic boost for local businesses.
The monthly National Visitor Survey results released by Tourism Research Australia today are the authoritative source of tourism statistics for Australia.
Total domestic overnight spend in WA in September 2022 was $1.02 billion. This was a 37 per cent increase compared with September 2019 when the total spend was $748 million.
Domestic trips to Regional WA were also at their highest level since monthly tracking began in January 2019, resulting in a total spend of $577 million in regional WA in September. This was an increase of $139 million - or 32 per cent - compared with pre-COVID-19.
Destination Perth saw its highest spend since the start of the pandemic. Domestic spend of $444 million was up 43 per cent compared to September 2019, driven by strong average daily spend.
Interstate visitation and spend continue to grow month on month. WA had the strongest growth of all States, with interstate spending doubling from $216 million in September 2019 to $436 million in September 2022.
Intrastate trips in WA in September were the highest since WA's border reopening.
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"The latest national figures show that the WA tourism market is bouncing back.
"Cracking a billion dollars in domestic spending is a milestone worth recognising.
"We've put a huge focus on reinvigorating our tourism market to stimulate economic activity for local business and to create jobs.
"The strategy is working but this is only the start. Our ambition is to go even higher while reinvigorating the international tourism market.
"The Walking On A Dream campaign has been extremely well received - and stay tuned for some more surprises in the near future as we take that campaign to the world.
"These figures are further evidence that there is insatiable demand for travel and they are a fantastic base upon which we can deliver our Walking in a Dream global marketing campaign."
Minister's office - 6552 6500
