Australia’s overseas arrivals have continued to grow strongly through the end of the year, recording seven per cent growth in December 2012 to reach 6.1 million visitors in 2012.

In 2012, the number of international visitor increased by 270,500 – an increase of almost five per cent on 2011 arrivals.

The latest Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures, released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, showed significant growth of inbound arrivals from almost all the major source markets with many Asian markets leading the way.

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said the figures highlighted the importance of the government’s allocation of $48.5 million to the Asia Marketing Fund  and showed the fruits of Tourism Australia’s long term marketing campaign, There’s Nothing Like Australia.

“The significant growth of overseas visitor arrivals in December gives the Australian tourism industry cause for optimism with strong growth continuing from Asian markets,” Minister Ferguson said.

Visitors from India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore all recorded strong growth, up 39 per cent, 14 per cent, 13 per cent, and 12 per cent respectively during December 2012.

In 2012, the number of Chinese visitors increased almost 16 per cent, 9 per cent from Malaysia, 8 per cent from Singapore and over 7 per cent from India and compared to 2011. Visitors from China and Japan grew by 13 per cent and seven per cent respectively in December 2012.

“Importantly, there are signs of improvement from large traditional markets such as the United States, up 5 per cent in 2012, and Japan up 6.4 per cent in 2012, which have been facing serious economic challenges,” said Minister Ferguson.

Visitors from India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore all recorded strong growth, up 39 per cent, 14 per cent, 13 per cent, and 12 per cent respectively during December 2012.

Arrivals from key European markets improved, with those from the United Kingdom up two per cent, Italy up 12 per cent and Germany up eight per cent during December 2012.

Source: Australian Government