The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has released its 2024 Australians on Holiday report, revealing a robust 21 per cent year-on-year increase in outbound leisure travel as the sector continues its post-pandemic recovery.
Drawing on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), independent consumer research, and CATO’s accreditation program, the report offers a comprehensive snapshot of Australia’s outbound travel trends, highlighting the growing popularity of structured, experience-rich holidays.
More than 6.9 million Australians travelled overseas for holiday purposes in 2024. Asia remained the dominant destination, welcoming 3.97 million Australian travellers. The region saw substantial growth in key sub-regions, including North-East Asia—comprising Japan and South Korea—which recorded a 73 per cent increase in visitors.
“We’re seeing more Australians value the depth and convenience that touring offers—particularly in complex or culturally rich destinations,” said Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director. “Whether it’s a traditional coach journey, a small or private group tour, or a luxury rail experience, the appetite is strong and growing.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Report:
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Asia leads the way: North-East Asia saw a 73% rise in Australian travellers, while South-East Asia and South & Central Asia reported increases of 25% and 31%, respectively.
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Shorter holidays dominate: Trips under 14 days remained the most popular, with 7–14 day holidays up 27% and sub-seven-day getaways up 31% year-on-year.
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Land-based tours surge: Passenger numbers in multi-day land-based tours rose by 48%, though average spend per trip declined. Total sector expenditure now exceeds $5 billion.
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Touring preferences shift: Strong growth was noted in small group, luxury, and active tours—particularly among the over-50s and younger adventure-seeking travellers under 40.
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CATO Member impact: Approximately 1.7 million Australians—nearly one in four outbound holidaymakers—travelled with CATO-accredited tour operators in 2024.
Jardine also noted the successful 2024 launch of the CATO Touring Academy, as well as increasing industry and consumer recognition of CATO’s accreditation program. Looking ahead, the upcoming CATO Summit aims to further position touring as a premium, safe, and enriching travel option.
As international travel approaches pre-pandemic levels, the report underscores the central role of the touring sector in driving the growth and evolution of Australia’s outbound leisure market.
