As 2024 comes to a close, Australian travel to California has demonstrated a robust recovery and continued growth, with spending and arrivals painting an optimistic picture for the future. According to the latest Global Market Profile from Visit California, Australian visitors are contributing significantly to the state’s tourism economy, with spending in 2024 projected to reach $1.526 billion—a massive recovery compared to the lowly $42 million in Australian travel spending at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Spending Reaches Record Highs

The 2024 spending forecast for Australians traveling to California marks a record-breaking increase, surging past pre-pandemic levels. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating $1.929 billion in 2025 and $2.465 billion by 2028. This rapid recovery reflects California’s enduring appeal as a prime destination for Australian leisure and business travelers.

Visitor Arrivals: Signs of Recovery

Australian arrivals at California ports of entry have also shown steady improvement, though they remain slightly below pre-pandemic numbers. By February 2024, arrivals were down just 9% compared to 2019, a significant improvement from a 40% deficit in August 2023. Monthly year-over-year (YoY) growth has remained positive, peaking at a 36% increase in February 2024. However, overall arrivals in 2024 still lag behind 2019 levels by an average of 33%.

Accommodation and Booking Trends

Australians’ accommodation preferences underline their inclination for premium experiences. Luxury hotels lead the way, chosen by 59% of travelers, followed by standard hotels (50%) and vacation rentals (34%). For booking, the majority of Australians favor hotel or short-term vacation rental websites (63%), followed closely by online travel agencies (60%). Direct hotel bookings account for 49% of reservations.

California’s Popular Destinations

Los Angeles and the Long Beach area remain the top destinations, attracting 71% of Australian travelers. San Francisco follows with 38%, while Anaheim-Santa Ana, home to Disneyland, draws 20%. San Diego has gained popularity as well, visited by 8% of Australians.

Air Travel Habits

When it comes to airline reservations, 42% of Australians rely on travel agency offices, while 39% book directly with airlines. Internet booking services are used by 22%, highlighting a mix of traditional and digital booking preferences.

Looking Ahead

The future of Australian tourism to California looks even brighter, with spending forecasted to reach $1.929 billion in 2025, a significant 53% increase from pre-pandemic levels. By 2028, spending is projected to climb to $2.465 billion, marking a nearly twofold recovery compared to 2019.

Visitor arrivals are also expected to improve steadily, as airlift capacity and confidence in international travel continue to grow. With strong year-over-year gains already evident, California is poised to remain a top destination for Australians seeking luxury accommodations, iconic attractions, and diverse experiences.