Trip.com and IATA data show that flight bookings from mainland China to Australia during China’s Golden Week holiday (1-7 October) rose 19 % on the same period in 2025, underlining the market’s post-pandemic recovery. Popular routes include Shanghai–Sydney and Guangzhou–Melbourne, with Queensland’s Whitsundays reporting near-record Mandarin-speaking arrivals. Melbourne-based agent Great Wall Travel Services says demand has shifted from large coach tours to small “quality trip” packages and self-drive itineraries, reflecting travellers’ higher disposable incomes and appetite for flexibility. Group travel under the bilateral Approved Destination Status scheme remains below pre-Covid levels, but independent visitors are filling the gap. Tourism Research Australia figures show China was Australia’s second-largest inbound market in 2025, delivering 1.04 million visitors worth an estimated A$4.3 billion. Although still shy of the 1.4 million arrivals logged in 2019, operators expect the up-trend to accelerate once additional aviation capacity comes online for the southern-summer peak. State tourism bodies are urging federal agencies to ensure Visitor-600 processing keeps pace with demand. According to Home Affairs, 90 % of Chinese visitor visas are currently finalised within 20 days, but delays could erode Australia’s competitiveness against Japan and Europe, which have simplified e-visa channels. For hotels, airlines and corporate travel managers, the message is clear: prepare inventory and staffing for a sustained rebound. Businesses reliant on Chinese high-net-worth tourism – luxury retail, regional resorts and specialty hospitality – should also revisit Mandarin-language service capabilities.
Source: ABC News
