Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, travel and tourism have surged to their highest rate since 2019. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released data on the arrivals and departures of international travellers, revealing the impact of border closures on the decline of travel.
Nothing was going to get in the way of London-based traveller Jodie Hall, who was determined to explore the world.
“You learn so much more travelling than you ever would at uni, just try and find jobs along the way to get you to your next location and it should work out fine,” she said.
However, Sydney University student Kiara Simoes said she can’t seem to make any money despite working three jobs.
The cost of living has been a prominent headline in Australian news. ABS data between 2021 and 2022 showed inflation peaked around the same time that travel started to climb on the chart.
“I get my paycheck and then all of a sudden it seems like it’s gone, I don’t understand,” Ms Simoes said.
“Last year I went to the UK and New Zealand months apart, now I can’t even justify a new jacket, all I want to do is travel.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers presented the 2024-2025 federal budget last night. He said inflation has almost halved from its peak in 2022.
Dr Chalmers said Treasury has forecast inflations will “fall back to target earlier, perhaps even by the end of this year.”
Ms Simoes said she was confused as to what support was in place for her now.
“Yes, there is now a cap for my HECS debt inflation as well as other things, but I feel guilty even filling up my car with petrol. I dread services, I don’t even look at my car mileage, I just can’t handle it,” Ms Simoes said.
The current travel levels have reached 91% of those seen in 2014. Ms Hall is determined to earn enough in the hospitality industry to fulfil her dream of flying from Western Australia to Japan to show her sister what solo travel is like.
“I think she needs to get out of London, I’ll help her as much as I can, but she needs to get out, and see the world,” Ms Hall said.
Previous data shows that June is a popular time for inbound travellers and as the trend continues, Australian travel levels could be back at pre-pandemic levels by 2025.
