International travellers spent a record $9.3 billion in Victoria in the year to March 2025.
The figures are included in the latest data from Tourism Research Australia’s Domestic Tourism Statistics and International Visitor Survey.
The record result was driven by travellers from the world’s two most populous nations, with Chinese tourists staying on top with a spend of $2.9 billion, up 23 per cent, while Indian tourists spent $810 million, an extraordinary 84 per cent increase on the previous year.
Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said despite the record result, that state wasn’t resting on its laurels.
“We’re working hard to grow visitation from key international markets – including India and China – because it generates billions of dollars and huge benefits for our visitor economy,” Mr McClements said.
were good, but better expected them reflected the hard work the state had done to attract tourists from China and India and that they like what Victoria has to offer.
“We know travellers want to experience everything we have to offer – from our natural beauty to our blockbuster events and creative experiences that make our state ‘Every bit different’.”
The data also confirmed Melbourne as the top interstate overnight leisure destination, with 861,000 travellers staying 3.5 million nights and spending $1.4 billion in the March 2025 quarter – outperforming Sydney on trips, nights, and expenditure.
Major events were a big contributor to the result, with hotel occupancy averaging 88 per cent during the Australian Open and 91 per cent during the 2025 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the state’s focus on major events would continue.
“We are investing in major events because it is growing our visitor economy and driving our state.”
