Whitsundays international visitor spending surges

Whitsundays international visitor spending surges 27.6% to record $271.8 million as domestic overnight visitors reach 688,000

MEDIA RELEASE - 24 JUNE 2026

Tourism Whitsundays (TW) today released results from the Tourism Research Australia International Visitor Survey and Domestic Tourism Statistics for the year ending March 2026, confirming $271.8 million in international visitor expenditure, up 27.6% year-on-year, alongside 688,000 domestic overnight visitors, results made even more significant by Cyclone Koji's impact on the region in January 2026.

International results

The international result represents the strongest expenditure performance on record for The Whitsundays, significantly outpacing national and state benchmarks. Whilst overall visitor numbers reflect a measured recovery, the value of each visitor tells a stronger story. The Whitsundays welcomed 175,000 international visitors for the year, yet those visitors stayed an average of 7.7 nights and spent $1,551 per visit, up 29.9% and $202 per night, up 11%. With 1.3 million visitor nights recorded, up 15%, it is the quality and duration of visits driving the region's record $271.8 million in international expenditure.

Continental Europe was a standout performer, with 72,000 visitors generating a record 706,000 nights, up 91.9%, driven in large part by strong growth in French travellers. The United Kingdom remained a key source market, contributing 41,000 visitors for the period.

Domestic results

Domestically, The Whitsundays recorded $959.1 million in total visitor expenditure for the year ending March 2026, representing 3% of the Queensland state total. The region welcomed 688,000 overnight visitors staying 2.5 million nights. Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) remained a strong segment, with 180,000 VFR visitors contributing $164.5 million in expenditure, while interstate travellers from New South Wales alone generated $261.4 million in expenditure.

The results are particularly noteworthy given Cyclone Koji impacted The Whitsundays in January 2026, falling within the reporting period. The region's ability to maintain strong expenditure growth and visitor numbers in the face of that disruption reflects the underlying resilience of The Whitsundays and the confidence travellers have in the region as a destination.

TW will continue to build on this momentum through sustained investment in destination marketing and international trade engagement to drive visitation and overnight stays across the region.

Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays, said these results reinforce that The Whitsundays remains one of Australia's most compelling destinations for both domestic and international travellers.

“Record international expenditure, growth in overnight visitation and strong interstate demand all point to a region that is building real momentum.

"What makes these numbers especially significant is the context in which they were achieved. Cyclone Koji hit The Whitsundays in January 2026, squarely within this reporting period, and yet the region returned these results. That speaks to the strength of operator confidence, the quality of the experiences on offer and the loyalty of visitors who know The Whitsundays and keep coming back. We are well-positioned for continued growth as we move into the year ahead."

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the latest tourism results demonstrate the strength and resilience of The Whitsundays as one of Australia's leading tourism destinations.

"To record $271.8 million in international visitor expenditure and almost $1 billion in domestic visitor expenditure is an outstanding result for our region, particularly given the impact of Cyclone Koji."

"These figures show visitors are staying longer, spending more and continuing to choose The Whitsundays for the world-class experiences we offer. That means more support for local businesses, more jobs for locals and greater confidence in our regional economy."

"As the future home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032, these results reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in the infrastructure and experiences that will support sustainable tourism growth and ensure The Whitsundays remains a destination of choice for visitors from around Australia and around the world."

Key statistics — year ending March 2026

International Visitor Survey (IVS)

• International expenditure: $271.8 million, up 27.6% (record)
• International visitors: 175,000, down 1.7%
• Visitor nights: 1.3 million, up 15%
• Average length of stay: 7.7 nights, up 1.1 nights
• Spend per visitor night: $202, up 11%
• Spend per visitor: $1,551, up 29.9%
• Continental Europe: 72,000 visitors
• United Kingdom: 41,000 visitors

Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS)

• Total visitor expenditure: $959.1 million, 3% of Queensland total
• Day trip expenditure: $71.4 million, 1% of Queensland total
• Overnight visitors: 688,000
• Visitor nights: 2.5 million
• VFR visitors: 180,000; VFR expenditure: $164.5 million
• Interstate expenditure: $432 million
• Intrastate expenditure: $455.7 million

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About Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.