Perth Set for Lunar New Year Boost with Surge in Chinese Tourists for 2026

Perth is bracing for a significant surge in tourism driven by the extended Lunar New Year holiday in China, a development poised to deliver a substantial economic boost to Western Australia. New data indicates that long-haul travel packages to Australia are nearly sold out, with the 2026 holiday period – spanning nine days from February 15 to February 23 – being the longest in history.

The strong demand is being fueled by increased air connectivity between China and Australia, coupled with a shift in Chinese travel patterns. According to reports from Beijing Business Today on January 13, packages to Australia and New Zealand are “basically sold out,” with Tongcheng Travel highlighting Australian summer experiences as a top travel trend for the period. UniTour International reports that over 80% of its Australia and New Zealand group tours are already booked for the holiday, as of mid-December 2025.

This anticipated influx of visitors represents a fundamental shift in Chinese outbound travel, according to Michelle Shao, executive vice president of UnionPay International South Pacific Division. “What we saw in 2025 was not a rebound, but a reset to a much higher baseline of travel demand,” Shao stated. She anticipates that 2026 could deliver record visitor numbers and spending, particularly in duty-free shopping, accommodation, dining and premium tourism experiences.

The expansion of direct flight routes is a key enabler of this growth, providing more flexible travel planning options for Chinese tourists. Data from Airbnb also supports this trend, showing more than a doubling in searches by Chinese travellers for Spring Festival travel, with Australia consistently ranking as a popular destination. This increased accessibility, combined with a growing preference for deeper, more authentic travel experiences, is reshaping the landscape of Chinese tourism to Australia.

Shao notes that today’s Chinese travellers are “highly informed, digitally savvy and looking for depth of experience.” They are increasingly opting for longer stays, venturing beyond major cities, and seeking out local cultural immersion. This is reflected in the usage patterns of UnionPay cards, which are being utilized across a broad range of merchants, from major attractions to regional tourism operators.

The Lunar New Year celebrations in Perth, officially beginning today, are designed to cater to both the incoming tourists and the local community. Events are planned throughout the city and Northbridge, including at Elizabeth Quay, James Street, Yagan Square, and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. The City of Perth’s Lord Mayor, Bruce Reynolds, emphasized the events’ role in bringing communities together and celebrating rich traditions.

Specific events include nightly lion and dragon dances, battle drum performances, aerial pole displays, and a market at Elizabeth Quay on February 21, starting at 6:45 PM. The Yaolin Kung Fu Association, led by Sifu Ken Wu, will be central to the entertainment, bringing four decades of experience to the performances.

Wu explained the cultural significance of the dragon and lion dances, stating that the dragon symbolizes prosperity and wealth, while the lion is believed to dispel negative energy and attract positivity. He also highlighted the inclusive nature of the celebrations, noting that Australia’s multicultural environment allows everyone to participate and enjoy the festivities.

“Australia is so multicultural. it’s not just Chinese or Asian people, everyone gets involved,” Wu said. “The celebration is about happiness and bringing joy for everyone.” He added that the celebrations are particularly appealing to visitors, with tourists often expressing their delight at seeing Chinese New Year celebrated so vibrantly in Australia.

The broader economic impact of this surge in Chinese tourism is significant. Tourism Australia data indicates that total trip spending from China reached A$12.3 billion (US$8.7 billion) for the year ending in September 2025. Nick Henderson, Tourism Australia’s regional general manager for Greater China, points to attractions like wine tours, Melbourne’s cafe culture, and the Sydney Fish Market as key draws for Chinese visitors. The current forecast suggests that Australia is projected to attract the most travellers from China during this Lunar New Year break, with bookings potentially more than doubling compared to the previous year.

The extended holiday period, coupled with the easing of travel restrictions and a growing appetite for international travel among Chinese citizens, positions Australia for a potentially record-breaking tourism season. The anticipated economic benefits extend beyond the tourism sector itself, impacting a wide range of industries and contributing to overall economic growth.