Visit California and third-party data sets
June 1, 2026
This Global Market Profile report contains three sections. The Market Landscape section offers a look at spending forecasts, arrivals, and airlift to California. The Audience Insights section includes data on travel behaviors and accommodation and booking preferences. The California Traveler and Trip Insights section includes data on leisure travelers’ airline reservations and top U.S. visited destinations. For additional research download the full market report.
Get more detailed insights into spending, airlift, market demographics and preferences, travel trends, and report methodology.
DownloadVisit California’s 18-year commitment to Australia has cultivated a resilient market characterized by high-value travelers who prioritize California’s compact diversity and world-class entertainment. While Australia's visitor spend and visitation decreased in 2025, the state remains a premier choice for Australians seeking a blend of iconic Hollywood moments, the thrill of U.S. major league sports, and the freedom of the classic road trip.
The current economic landscape presents a more nuanced environment, as persistent oil-driven inflation and fluctuating interest rates have tempered consumer confidence and prompted more selective travel behaviors. While the appetite for international adventure remains strong, Australians are increasingly weighing value and ease of access, with new nonstop routes to Texas and Nevada creating fresh competition for traditional California gateways.
To counter these headwinds, Visit California is focusing on deepening its education and influence with the travel trade, where traditional agents remain influential. By emphasizing California’s value and unique "only-in-California" cultural immersions, the state continues to position itself as a necessary trip for Australians who view California not just as a destination, but as a primary source of travel inspiration and discovery.
Source: Tourism Economic (May 2026)
Source: NTTO/CIC Research
Q: Which of the following types of accommodations do you typically stay in when you are on holiday?
Source: YouGov (Jan 2024 to Dec 2025)
Q: Which of the following booking methods do you typically use when booking accommodations for the holidays?
Source: YouGov (Jan 2024 to Dec 2025)
Q: How were airline reservations made for this trip?
Source: SIAT 2024
Q: What U.S. Destinations did you visit (include main destination)?
Source: SIAT 2024 (The following data is based on California travelers)