New Zealand Surpasses United States, India, China, Singapore, United Kingdom and More Nations in Boosting Australia’s Tourism with Record-Breaking Year-on-Year Growth due to its strong geographical proximity, cultural ties, and increased demand for unique Australian experiences, particularly in regional destinations. With over 1.4 million visitors in 2025, New Zealand has outpaced major international tourism powerhouses, leading a surge in cross-border travel that is reshaping Australia’s tourism landscape. As the demand for nature-based, adventure, and cultural tourism grows, New Zealand’s influence is becoming increasingly significant in driving the future growth of Australia’s visitor economy.

Australia’s tourism sector has been experiencing an exhilarating surge in recent years, with New Zealand emerging as a standout performer in driving the country’s tourism growth. Surpassing traditional powerhouses such as the United States, India, China, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, New Zealand is now playing a pivotal role in reshaping Australia’s tourism landscape. With the nation showing explosive growth in visitor arrivals and demand, 2025 is poised to set new records, marking the Kiwis’ dominance in boosting Australian tourism.

How New Zealand Is Leading Australia’s Tourism Boom

In 2025, New Zealand has become one of the fastest-growing markets for Australian tourism, surpassing even the United States, India, China, and the United Kingdom. With over 1.4 million visitors in the year to November, New Zealand accounts for approximately 16% of all international visitors to Australia. This remarkable surge highlights the strong relationship between the two nations and the cultural, economic, and tourism ties that have blossomed over the years.

The closeness of the two countries, both geographically and culturally, has made travel between them effortless and natural. Australians and New Zealanders share similar cultural traits, making the tourism experiences feel familiar and welcoming for visitors. New Zealand’s proximity, combined with the growing appetite for cross-border tourism, has allowed it to take a leadership role in driving Australia’s inbound tourism in 2025.

New Zealanders have long been keen travelers to Australia, with many frequenting Australia’s iconic beaches, coastal areas, and vibrant cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. But increasingly, tourists are exploring Australia’s more remote and adventurous destinations, such as the Red Centre, the Great Barrier Reef, and the outback, further solidifying New Zealand’s growing influence on Australian tourism growth.

The Powerhouses Driving Australia’s Tourism Growth in 2025

New Zealand isn’t the only country making waves in Australia’s tourism boom. In fact, Australia’s tourism sector has seen a diverse range of source countries contributing to the surge in visitor numbers. Each region brings its unique influence, further positioning Australia as a global tourism powerhouse. Let’s explore the countries that are driving this surge.

1. New Zealand

• Over 1.4 million visitors – 16% of Australia’s international tourists.
• Boosting cross-border tourism with increasing demand for regional experiences and iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Centre.
• Short travel distances and strong cultural ties make travel seamless and efficient.

2. China

• Around 1 million visitors with 21% year-on-year growth.
• China’s fast-growing middle class has driven increased interest in Australian holidays, with many travelers seeking new experiences, shopping, and educational opportunities.
• The rising demand for luxury travel, nature-based experiences, and cultural tourism is particularly evident from Chinese tourists exploring Australia’s outback and coastal destinations.

3. United States

• With 737,000 visitors, the United States remains one of the largest contributors to Australia’s tourism market.
• Direct flights and strong trade and cultural relations between the two countries have facilitated travel.
• American travelers typically visit iconic urban destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Queensland’s Gold Coast, with growing interest in the Great Barrier Reef and adventure tourism.

4. United Kingdom

• Strong cultural ties continue to drive tourism from the United Kingdom.
• UK visitors to Australia have been consistent, with a steady growth in long-haul tourism.
• Popular destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef, with a marked increase in interest in cultural and historical experiences.

5. India

• 453,000 visitors in 2025, showcasing a 10% year-on-year growth.
• India is a rapidly emerging market for Australia, with more travelers exploring the country’s beaches, cultural offerings, and adventure tourism experiences.
• The Indian diaspora in Australia has also contributed significantly to increasing tourism demand, especially for family visits and education-related travel.

6. Singapore

• As a major feeder market, Singapore continues to contribute to Australia’s tourism surge with its geographical proximity and booming economy.
• Singapore’s tourism to Australia is being fueled by short-haul flights and the growing interest in Australia’s beaches, city life, and nature escapes.
• More than 300,000 visitors are expected from Singapore in the coming years.

7. Japan

• Japan has always been a significant market for Australian tourism, with Japanese tourists flocking to Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania for their nature-based tourism and cultural experiences.
• Japan’s increased economic prosperity has led to more travel opportunities for its citizens, with Australia’s natural wonders providing the perfect escape.

8. South Korea

• South Korea is another Asian country contributing to the rapid growth of Australia’s tourism sector.
• Increasing direct flights and travel promotions have led to greater tourist arrivals from South Korea, particularly in adventure tourism and city-based experiences.

9. Philippines

• A growing contributor to Australia’s tourism, particularly for family visits and short-haul travel.
• Philippine nationals are drawn to Australia’s beaches, theme parks, and cultural experiences like Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef.

10. Indonesia

• Indonesia, being Australia’s direct neighbor, remains a significant source market for short-haul travel.
• With over 400,000 visitors from Indonesia, many Indonesians are drawn to Queensland and Western Australia for family holidays, beach resorts, and adventure travel.

11. Malaysia

• Malaysia has consistently contributed to the Asia-Pacific tourism growth, with increasing travel interest in city-based tourism in Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast.
• Cultural, business, and educational tourism from Malaysia continues to drive demand, with more than 250,000 visitors expected by 2025.

New Zealand’s Influence on Australia’s Tourism Strategy

As New Zealand continues to outperform major international competitors, its influence on Australia’s tourism growth is more than just high visitor numbers. Both nations have aligned tourism strategies that work in tandem to support regional tourism development.

The Albanese Labor Government’s THRIVE 2030 strategy for sustainable growth of the visitor economy is strategically positioned to build on this burgeoning relationship. New Zealand’s increasing demand for nature-based and adventure tourism in remote Australian regions such as the Red Centre and Outback aligns perfectly with Australia’s efforts to disperse tourism away from overcrowded cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

As part of the THRIVE 2030 initiative, Australia is putting a heavy emphasis on promoting regional Australia, and New Zealand is leading the charge in helping bring Kiwis to explore Australia’s unique wilderness, national parks, and cultural experiences. This growth is supported by joint marketing campaigns between both countries and coordinated flight schedules that make it easier for New Zealanders to explore Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes.

Looking Ahead: Australia’s Tourism Landscape by 2030

With New Zealand at the forefront, Australia’s tourism landscape is set to transform. According to the Australian Government’s THRIVE 2030 strategy, the country is aiming for a $230 billion tourism economy by 2030. The actions and investments already underway—such as the $130 million committed to Tourism Australia’s international marketing campaigns and a $18.5 million boost to iconic destinations—will propel Australia toward achieving this ambitious target.

In particular, regional Australia is set to reap the benefits, with projections showing that $95 billion of the $230 billion will come from areas outside of major cities, helping to spread the wealth and minimize overcrowding in key tourist spots.

As countries like New Zealand continue to send more visitors to Australia, strategic collaborations between New Zealand and Australia’s tourism bodies will play a crucial role in shaping this growth.

New Zealand’s remarkable rise to prominence in boosting Australia’s tourism in 2025 is only the beginning. As the THRIVE 2030 strategy continues to unfold, New Zealand will play a key role in helping Australia hit its ambitious tourism targets. With a growing number of New Zealanders traveling to Australia, fueled by the shared cultural ties, close geographical proximity, and exciting new travel opportunities, both nations are poised for an exciting future in tourism.

New Zealand Surpasses United States, India, China, Singapore, United Kingdom and More Nations in Boosting Australia’s Tourism with Record-Breaking Year-on-Year Growth due to its close proximity, strong cultural ties, and the growing demand for Australian regional experiences, making it a leading contributor to the tourism boom in 2025.

By strategically focusing on regional destinations and leveraging cross-border partnerships, Australia’s tourism sector is well on its way to achieving new milestones. With New Zealand leading the way, Australia’s tourism future is brighter than ever.