Western Australia Eyes India and China to Boost Tourism Economy to A$25 Billion by 2033

The strategy is anchored by expanded direct international air routes, enhanced partnerships with global carriers, and a renewed focus on high-potential visitor markets. China currently leads in visitor spending, with 74,000 Chinese tourists contributing A$315 million in the year ending September 2024. The return of direct services, such as those between Guangzhou and Perth and seasonal New Year flights from Shanghai, have played a pivotal role in this recovery.

A major infrastructure upgrade at Perth Airport is set to reinforce this momentum. The airport will undergo a A$3 billion transformation, including a new terminal and parallel runway, as part of a broader A$5 billion redevelopment project. Once completed, the expansion will support an additional 4.4 million international airline seats annually and elevate the airport to become the second-largest international hub for a major Australian airline.

While direct air links are still being developed, Western Australia continues to strengthen one-stop connectivity through major Asian transit hubs such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Collaborative marketing campaigns with global airline partners are underway to encourage increased bookings from India, China, and other Asian markets.