United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Australian tourism goes up in smoke
Tourists are abandoning regional holiday hotspots in Victoria and New South Wales, and it is mostly Aussies who are staying away.
Even in areas not affected by bush fires tourism is down by about 60%, tourism leaders say.
Losses to the tourism industry are already approaching $1 billion.
Australians are opting to stay home, which has led to a call for a new domestic promotional campaign.
The Australian Tourism Industry Council says there has been more than 60% of bookings cancelled in some areas, and areas which have been directly hit by bush fires, tourism is virtually zero.
So far the rate of cancellations from international visitors has been lower but the country’s tourism brand has undoubtedly taken a hit.
"The amount of negative publicity on Australia overseas should not be dismissed," said Australian Tourism Industry Council executive director Westaway.
Westaway said there is much that federal and state governments need to do including a new targeted advertising campaign, rapid infrastructure repairs in affected areas and financial support for small tourism-reliant businesses.
He said tourism industry losses are already ‘reaching towards $1 billion.’
Tourism minister Simon Birmingham says the government is working hard to get the right message out.
"We’ll be updating the tourism industry on what we’re doing to correct the misinformation that is out there about the geographical reach of these bushfires and also the targeted activity that is continuing to make sure the world knows Australia is still open for business," he said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations