The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has revealed a robust start to the year for outbound leisure travel, with a record 1.85 million Australians heading overseas for holidays between January and March 2025.
This represents a 15 per cent increase over the same period in the previous year, and a remarkable 54 per cent rise from 2023.
Southeast Asia continues to dominate, drawing nearly four in 10 outbound leisure travellers, with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam retaining their appeal due to proximity, value, and accessibility. Northeast Asia also saw a resurgence, with travel to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan up significantly year-on-year.
“Australians are increasingly confident, adventurous and diverse in their destination choices,” CATO managing director, Brett Jardine, said. “We’re seeing growth across every age group and every corner of the globe – from family trips in Southeast Asia to extended stays across Europe and the Americas. This data reflects the hard work of the travel industry and tour operators in delivering compelling, well-supported itineraries Australians trust.”
Youth travel remained strong with the 18 to 35 age group accounting for the largest share (29 per cent) of international holidaymakers. Older travellers also returned in force, with the 71+ segment growing by 18 per cent, reflecting greater accessibility and confidence among retirees.
While shorter trips (under 14 days) remain popular, there was a notable increase in trips of one month or longer, particularly to Europe and Northeast Asia – a signal that Australians are seeking deeper, more immersive travel experiences.
“As Australians continue to discover the joy of exploring the world, Australian-based tour operators and wholesalers are well-positioned to support them with safety, structure and unforgettable experiences,” Jardine added. “The resilience of the outbound market is clear – and it’s only just getting started.”
