Australia is now the tenth-largest source of inbound visitors to the United States and a hugely important market – Aussies travel farther, stay longer (an average of 25 nights), and spend more money in America than many other international visitors.
In 2011, a record 1.04 million Australians visited the United States. It is projected that in 2012, 1.12 million Australians will have visited the US, an eight percent increase over 2011.
Australia has posted eight years of continued growth and record arrivals to the United States.
Comparing international arrivals for 2000 to 2011, Australia posted 92% growth in arrivals, the third-fastest growth rate among the top 10 arrival markets. Only China and Brazil have grown faster.
Between 2011 through 2017, Australian travel to the United States is forecast to increase 46%, the fourth-largest growth rate of the top 10 inbound markets, behind China, Brazil and South Korea.
President of the Visit USA Organisation (Australia), Geoffrey Hutton, said: "With the combination of a favourable exchange rate, increased air capacity and competitive airfares, the United States has become a hugely appealing and affordable destination for Australian travellers.
“And it’s only going to get better."
