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| Whitsundays |
With a total of 930,000 visitors, the Whitsundays has solidified its place as one of Australia’s top tourist destinations, driven by a robust domestic recovery and a strong rebound in key international markets. The data also highlights significant growth in overnight stays, longer visit durations, and higher spending, all of which reflect the growing desire to explore the breathtaking natural beauty and world-class experiences that the Whitsundays offers.
Key Statistics at a Glance:
- Total Visitor Expenditure: $1.6 billion
- Visitor Numbers: 930,000
- Overnight Stays: 3.3 million nights (up 6% from last year)
- Average Length of Stay: 4.4 nights
- Average Expenditure Per Visitor: $1,927 (up 10%)
The impressive results showcase that holidaymakers remain a key driver, with 528,000 holiday visitors contributing to 2.6 million visitor nights in the region.
Domestic Tourism Surge
Domestic tourism has been a key factor in the Whitsundays’ success, with 742,000 domestic visitors contributing a total of $1.4 billion in expenditure. This marks a 12% year-on-year increase, reflecting the region’s continued appeal as a domestic getaway.
- Domestic Visitation: 742,000 visitors (up 2% year-on-year)
- Visitor Expenditure: $1.4 billion (up 12% year-on-year)
- Overnight Stays: 3.3 million nights (up 6% year-on-year)
- Intrastate vs Interstate Trends: Intrastate visitation has surged by 10%, while interstate visitation saw a slight decrease of 9% over the same period.
While intrastate travel continues to lead, the Whitsundays is keen to attract more interstate travellers, showcasing its unmatched beauty and diverse activities to Australians from across the country.
International Tourism Recovery
The international market is also experiencing a strong recovery, with 188,000 international visitors, which represents 85% of pre-pandemic levels. Expenditure from international visitors has surpassed expectations, reaching $196.7 million—a 129% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic levels. This demonstrates the increasing desire for international travellers to experience the Whitsundays’ unique offerings, from the Great Barrier Reef to Whitehaven Beach and beyond.
- International Visitation: 188,000 visitors (85% recovery to pre-pandemic levels)
- Visitor Expenditure: $196.7 million (129% recovery rate)
- Average Length of Stay: 6.4 nights
- Key International Markets:
- The United Kingdom: 56,000 visitors (130% recovery rate)
- North America: 35,000 visitors (112% recovery rate)
- European Markets: France (117% recovery), Germany (70% recovery)
- Asia Market: Still lagging behind at 33% of 2019 levels
The United Kingdom remains the largest international market for the Whitsundays, with 56,000 visitors arriving—surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 30%. Similarly, North American visitors, particularly from the United States, have contributed to the region’s recovery, with 35,000 visitors representing a 112% recovery.
However, the Asia market continues to face challenges, with visitation still recovering at just 33% of 2019 levels.
The Whitsundays’ Continued Growth and Resilience
Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Tim Booth, expressed his enthusiasm over the results, highlighting the increased visitor spending and longer stays as key indicators of the region’s value for travellers. "We are thrilled to see an increase in visitor spending and longer stays, reflecting the value our region offers to travellers," Booth said. He also noted the ongoing efforts to attract interstate visitors and further bolster the international recovery, particularly from the UK and North America.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins, added that the region’s strong performance "reinforces our reputation as one of Australia’s premier travel destinations" and is a significant boost to local businesses, communities, and jobs. “This level of visitation is a testament to the resilience of our tourism industry and the ongoing appeal of the Whitsundays on the world stage.”
Looking Ahead
The Whitsundays’ tourism industry remains poised for continued success as it sustains momentum across both domestic and international markets. The region’s diverse natural wonders, from the coral reefs to the tranquil islands, combined with world-class hospitality and experiences, will ensure its place as a leading global destination.
The Whitsundays continues to offer a variety of experiences for visitors, including cruising, island hopping, scuba diving, and exploring pristine beaches. With the region's tourism growth showing no signs of slowing, the future of the Whitsundays looks incredibly bright.
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