Australia’s tourism sector continues to strengthen, with new data out today showing the value of investment grew to $74.5 billion last financial year as investor confidence grows.

Tourism Research Australia’s (TRA) annual Tourism Investment Monitor provides a snapshot of the strength of the industry, detailing the pipeline of investments planned for this critical sector.

This year’s report shows investment in projects worth $20 million or more grew by $11.1 billion in 2024/25, up 18 per cent on the year before.

The number of projects in the development pipeline also grew by five per cent to 363.

In 2024-25, NSW had the highest number of projects - 104 projects valued at $18 billion. Total investment in NSW grew by $1.7 billion (10 per cent) from June 2024 to June 2025.

  • Investment in the aviation sector totalled $5.8 billion, the main contribution being from the new Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird) International Airport scheduled to open in 2026 (project value of $5.3 billion).
  • Investment in the arts, recreation, and business services sector totalled $9.8 billion, with the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter Development making up $1.5 billion of this investment.
  • Investment in the standalone accommodation sector totalled $2.3 billion. This covered 34 hotels in the state’s pipeline, which are expected to add 5400 rooms to accommodation supply in the state.

Projects across Australia included new airport terminals, arts entertainment precincts and accommodation offerings which support jobs and businesses across the country.

The arts, recreation and business services sector showed strong growth, with 184 projects worth $34.2 billion in the pipeline. That’s $5.4 billion (19 per cent) up on the previous year.

In the aviation sector there were 24 projects worth $29.0 billion in the pipeline, up $5.9 billion (26 per cent) from June 2024.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said: “It is fantastic to see the level of investment in Australia’s tourism sector continuing to grow.

“We need strong investment to enhance and expand capacity to welcome even more domestic and international visitors in the years ahead.

“Every new hotel, attraction and regional experience strengthens our communities, supports local jobs and showcase the unique experiences that Australia has to offer visitors.”

A copy of TRA’s Tourism Investment Monitor for 2024-25 can be found here.