We know Aussies love to travel and 2026 has been no exception. The latest Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Travel Trends report recorded 12.76 million international trips from July 2025 to 2026, up 4% on the previous year.
Asia continues to be a popular choice, with Vietnam recording the strongest growth among the major destinations tracked by ATIA.
Vietnam leads the growth
Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest growing destinations for Aussie travellers.
In the year ending July 2026, almost 578,000 Australians travelled to Vietnam, up 16% on the previous year, the strongest percentage increase among the destinations in the report.
Trang and Da Nang are drawing travellers in with luxury resorts at prices that are hard to find elsewhere.
Add in genuinely beautiful beaches and a growing number of direct flights from Australia, and Vietnam is fast becoming a go-to for travelers who want a premium holiday without a premium bill.
China and Japan continue to grow
Vietnam isn’t the only Asian destination experiencing strong growth.
China recorded over 749,000 Australian travellers, up 13%, while Japan recorded 990,950, up 9%. Japan is now approaching one million Australian travellers over a 12-month period.
India also recorded growth, with 621,780 Australian travellers, up 6%.
Indonesia remains a firm favourite
While Vietnam recorded the strongest growth, Indonesia remains the most visited destination. The report recorded almost 1.8 million Aussies visiting Indonesia, up 2%. New Zealand followed with close to 1.5 million travellers, up 6%.
Bali is one of the biggest destinations for Australians, and for good reason. It’s equally popular with digital nomads, families, couples and anyone chasing a wellness retreat or a surf trip, which means there’s a version of Bali for almost every kind of traveller.
It’s a genuine PassportCard favourite too, largely because Australians don’t just visit Bali in summer, they travel there all year round.
Destinations with the strongest growth
Looking at the major destinations by percentage change:
- Vietnam, 577,880 travellers, up 16%
- China, 749,130 travellers, up 14%
- Japan, 990,950 travellers, up 8%
- Fiji, 433,550 travellers, up 6%
- New Zealand, 1,497,310 travellers, up 6%
- India, 621,780 travellers, up 6%
- Indonesia, 1,789,800 travellers, up 2%
- Thailand, 627,630 travellers, down 3%
- UK, 598,240 travellers, down 6%
- USA, 679,490 travellers, down 9%
Vietnam leads the way for year-on-year growth, while Indonesia remains the leading destination by total number of Australian travellers.
Whether you’re planning a beach escape to Indonesia, exploring Vietnam, discovering Japan or travelling further afield, ensure you sort your travel insurance before you leave.
Source: Australian Travel Industry Association, ATIA Travel Trends, September 2026. Data is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics Overseas Arrivals and Departures data.
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