The latest figures from Tourism Research Australia show tourism to Canberra and visitor expenditure in our city is booming and making an even greater contribution to the ACT economy.
In the year ending September 2023, visitor expenditure in Canberra was $3.66 billion, making this the highest ever visitor expenditure in a twelve-month period in the ACT – surpassing the year ending June 2023 record high by $230 million.
During this period the ACT welcomed 5.68 million visitors, the fourth highest number of visitors ever recorded in a twelve-month period.
Total visitor numbers have now recovered to 93 per cent of pre-COVID levels, while the number of international visitors is continuing to recover, now at 63 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
Our overnight visitation continued to increase from most states and territories, with regional Victoria accounting for the largest increase in domestic overnight visitors. NSW remains the main source of domestic visitors to the ACT.
Floriade was a major drawcard again this year, attracting 433,271 attendees and generating $38 million in economic activity for the Territory.
These results show we are on track to exceed the target set in the T2030 Tourism Strategy for our visitor economy to reach $4 billion by the end of the decade.
Improving access to international markets will be key in exceeding this target and will continue to be a focus for the Government in 2024.
To continue this strong growth trajectory, a new round of the Government's Tourism Product Development Fund is now open, with $500,000 available in funding. Applications will close 12 February 2024. Details are available at www.tourism.act.gov.au.
