New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows international visitation to Australia surpassed pre-pandemic levels in February 2026, led by Lunar New Year arrivals from China.
A total of 943,220 trips to Australia were recorded, an increase of 155,450 (19.7 per cent) compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.
The number of trips was 1.7 per cent higher than in February 2019. It is the first time monthly arrivals have exceeded the same month pre-COVID-19.
China was the largest source country, accounting for 23.3 per cent of all visitor arrivals (220,170 trips).
NSW recorded the highest number of visitor arrivals for short-term trips, welcoming 367,220 international arrivals, up from 357,420 in February 2019.
China led arrivals for NSW at 94,980, compared to 81,090 in February 2019.
The Year of the Horse commenced on 17 February 2026, ushering in a rare “Fire Horse” astrological period on the lunar calendar that only occurs every 60 years. It is regarded as being auspicious for tourism and is believed to inspire adventurous, transformative travel plans.
Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than one billion people across the world each year, particularly in countries such as China, South Korea and Vietnam.
This year’s celebrations lit up Greater Sydney, led by Sydney Lunar Festival, the largest celebration outside Asia. Communities across Burwood, Chatswood, Cabramatta, Campsie, Eastwood, Hurstville and more also hosted immersive experiences including vibrant street festivals, live performances, lion dances, dragon boat races and light installations.
China was the highest contributor to visitor growth in NSW during 2025, with arrivals rising by 16.6 per cent and expenditure reaching $5.5 billion.
View the full ABS results here.
