Victoria experienced unprecedented growth in 2024, solidifying its position as a leading global hub for tourism and major sporting events. With nearly 250,000 arrivals at Melbourne Airport during the holiday season, the state saw an influx of visitors, notably from India, its second-largest source of international arrivals. More than 200,000 Indian tourists visited Victoria in 2024, drawn by the state’s diverse attractions and cultural offerings. Indian visitor spending also saw a remarkable increase, rising by 31 per cent compared to the previous year.
One of the standout events was the historic Melbourne debut of the Pro Kabaddi League at John Cain Arena. This high-energy event captured global attention, with the broadcast reaching 14.2 million people across India. The success of the event underscored Victoria’s growing prominence in hosting international sporting spectacles.
Another highlight was the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which set a new record with 373,691 spectators, making it the largest Test crowd in Australian cricket history and the second largest globally. This record further cemented Melbourne’s reputation as a premier venue for international sporting events.
“Broadcasting to such a large audience for both the Boxing Day Test and the Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid has delivered huge promotional value for Victoria,” said Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria. “These events are part of a vibrant summer calendar, including the Australian Open, the Women’s Ashes, and the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the NGV, all contributing to a thriving visitor economy.”
The state’s connection with India continues to flourish, contributing to a significant rise in international tourism expenditure, which reached USD 8.8 billion, marking a 57 per cent increase from the previous year.
