Travel Market Insights
Australia Surfing Tourism Market Size & Growth 2025-35
Australia Surfing Tourism Industry Size and Forecast Outlook (2025 to 2035)
The Australia Surfing Tourism Industry is poised for steady growth, expected to rise from an estimated USD 3.4 billion in 2025 to USD 7.5 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. This expansion is fueled by surfing’s growing global popularity, the emergence of surf resorts catering to international visitors, and Australia’s iconic beaches like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, which continue to attract surfers worldwide.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Australian Industry Size (2025E) | USD 3.4 Billion |
| Projected Australian Value (2035F) | USD 7.5 Billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 8.2% |
The market for surf tourism in Australia is growing as more travelers seek the nation’s pristine surf spots. Australia is a world-renowned surfing destination with a rich culture surrounding the sport. As a result, high-end surf resorts, specialized surf camps, and guided surf tours are becoming increasingly popular across regions like the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania.
Semi-Annual Market Update Covering Seasonal Patterns, Traveler Types, and Infrastructure Developments
The chart below outlines the changes in CAGR for the base year 2024 and the forecast for 2025, reflecting evolving market trends.
CAGR Values for Australia Surfing Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 7.9% in the second half. By 2025, the growth rate is expected to reach 8% in the first half, peaking at 8.2% in the second half due to an influx of international travelers booking custom surf experiences in premium resorts like the Mornington Peninsula and Margaret River.
Footprint of the Australia Surfing Tourism Industry (2024)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | Australia’s surfing tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 3.1 billion in 2024, contributing 70% of the region’s surfing tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists represent 60%, with major surfing destinations including Byron Bay (New South Wales), Bondi Beach (Sydney), and Margaret River (Western Australia). |
| International Market Share | International tourists make up 40%, with key visitors from the USA, the UK, and Japan flocking to iconic surf spots like Bells Beach and Noosa Heads. |
| Key Destinations | Top surfing locations include Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Bells Beach, and Margaret River. |
| Economic Impact | Surf tourism generates significant revenue, benefitting local economies through accommodations, restaurants, surf shops, and activities. |
| Key Trends | Growth of eco-friendly surf camps, rise in surfing retreats combining wellness, and the increase of advanced surf coaching programs. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Peak seasons include the summer and autumn months, particularly along Australia’s East Coast, where both surf conditions and weather are optimal. |
Australia’s Surfing Tourism Industry is a driving force in the Asia-Pacific region, with major hubs such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia drawing surfers from across the globe. Renowned locations like Byron Bay and Bells Beach continue to attract global travelers looking for top-tier surfing experiences. On the West Coast, Margaret River remains a favorite for international visitors seeking world-class waves, while domestic surfers frequent iconic beaches like Bondi Beach.
A visible trend in the market is the emergence of eco-friendly surf camps, especially in areas such as Tasmania and New South Wales, where surfers are looking for environmentally friendly practices accompanied by local surf instruction. Surf experiences that emphasize wellness, such as yoga retreats with surfing lessons, are also becoming popular in areas such as Noosa Heads and Byron Bay.
Recent Developments
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of Surf & Yoga Retreat: Byron Bay Surf Retreat introduced a new “Surf & Yoga Escape,” offering a blend of surf lessons, beachside yoga sessions, and mindfulness activities. |
| Dec 2024 | New Premium Surf Experience: Margaret River’s Surf Resort unveiled a luxury “Surf Concierge Package,” providing guests with custom surfboard designs, private lessons from pro surfers, and exclusive surf tours. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of Family Surf Adventure: Surf & Sand Adventures (Queensland) introduced a family-friendly surf camp, catering to beginners, with surf lessons, family packages, and accommodation tailored to parents with children. |
| Oct 2024 | Opening of Surf Park in Sydney: Sydney Surf Park opened in Bondi, offering a year-round surf experience in a state-of-the-art artificial wave pool for both beginners and advanced surfers. |
| Sept 2024 | Hosting of National Surf Competition: The Australian National Surfing Championships in Bells Beach expanded, adding an amateur surf category to attract global tourists to this iconic spot. |
An Analysis of Australia Surfing Tourism Categories by Tourist Type and Age Group
% share of individual categories by Tourist Type and Age Group in 2025
Independent Travelers Lead the Australian Surfing Tourism Segment
Independent travelers will make up Australia’s surf holiday market in 2025, with 52% of the bookings. This broad shift is proof of an increased desire for independence and flexibility in surf holidays. Independent surfers are increasingly becoming interested in organizing their own holiday plans, which enables them to choose surf camps, resorts, and individual lessons that best suit their ability and liking. In contrast to mainstream tours, such independence in tailoring is a more intimate and enriching experience, which has made independent travel popular with surf tourism.
The development of web booking platforms, such as Surf Australia Travel, has also been a factor. They allow surfers to browse through a huge number of options-be it upscale surf schools in Byron Bay or far-flung surf retreats in Western Australia. Travelers can read extensive reviews, see pictures, and book their vacations directly, all while having the freedom of creating their perfect surf experience. This self-planned method frees surfers up to select exact surf locations with regard to quality of waves, level of challenge, and attendance, allowing them to maximize every moment spent surfing.
For most independent surfers, places like Bells Beach, renowned for hosting world-class waves, are still top destinations. But increasingly, there’s a desire to visit less crowded, off-the-beaten-path surf venues. Tasmania’s Bruny Island, for instance, is emerging as a secret favorite among extreme surfers seeking unexploited waves in a more peaceful environment. Surfers gather in these secluded places not only because of the incredible surf opportunities but also to be able to submerge themselves in local culture. The quiet and seclusion in these lesser-touristed areas enable free-spirited travelers to tune in with nature and enjoy surfing in a genuine and intimate fashion, free from the distractions of congested tourist spots.
The 25-35 Age Group: The Core of Australia Surfing Tourism
Surfers between 25-35 years old are a vibrant and influential segment of Australia’s Surfing Tourism Market, which is projected to represent 38% of the market by 2025. The age group is especially attracted to Australia’s beach resorts, including the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Noosa Heads, where they can not only enhance their surfing abilities but also experience the relaxed, vibrant lifestyle that these places offer. They like a combination of relaxation and activity, and thus places like the Gold Coast are a perfect fit. They can surf world-class breaks during mornings and spend afternoons engaging in local crafts, experimenting with new Australian cuisine, or simply unwinding at luxury wellness retreats.
Independent travel is strongly favored in this age category because it permits them the opportunity to craft their own individual surf experience. Surfers in this age bracket generally prefer to book surf holidays in combination with other cultural activities, including observing native paintings, undertaking eco-tours, or visiting local food festivals. This trend towards independence from rigid tour packages allows them to tailor their holidays to surfing as well as leisure purposes. They could, for example, take a few days of honing skills at Gold Coast surf camps and then venture out to explore adjacent nature parks or take a day trip to experience the hinterlands.
Accommodation-wise, surfers in this group prefer boutique hotels, luxury surf resorts, and surf lodges. They are attracted to places that offer a mix of comfort, community, and social interaction opportunities. Most surf resorts in destinations such as Byron Bay are constructed to provide a social environment where like-minded travelers can exchange surf tips, experiences, and form long-term relationships. These surfers appreciate the social element of their travels, enriching them with shared passion and the opportunity to meet other surfing enthusiasts.
Competitive Landscape
Australia’s Surfing Tourism Industry is fairly competitive, with established firms such as Mojosurf Australia, Surf Camp Australia, and Australian Surf Tours. These major players are supplemented by an increasing number of regional surf camps and resorts providing customized experiences for specialized tourist segments.
2025 Market Share of Australia Surfing Tourism Players
Leading players include Mojosurf Australia, Surf Camp Australia, and Australian Surf Tours, followed by smaller surf destinations in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia offering unique and customized surf experiences.
Top Segments Studied in the Australia Surfing Tourism Market: Region, Traveler Type, Surf Type, Season, and Booking Channel
By Tour Type:
The industry is segmented into Domestic and International tourists.
By Demography:
The market is analyzed by gender (Men, Women).
By Tourist Type:
Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Tour Group, and Package Traveler.
By Age Group:
The industry is segmented into Below 25 years, 25-35 years, 35-45 years, and Over 45 years.
Many travelers applying for U.S. tourist visas should be prepared to pay at least an additional $250 for a new “Integrity Fee.”
It’s part of the recent budget law and hasn’t been implemented yet, but the Department of Homeland Security is authorized to start charging this fiscal year. Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, which starts October 1, the Visa Integrity Fee will be adjusted annually for inflation.
It applies to travelers applying for non-immigrant visas, but people from the more than 40 Visa Waiver Program countries are not subject to the Visa Integrity Fee.
Travelers are eligible for reimbursement sometime after the visa expires as long as they don’t overstay the visa expiration date by more than five days or engage in unauthorized work.
“There is no timeline for implementation of the fee or direction as to how the fee will be collected and refunded,” according to the U.S. Travel Association.
One issue: It may discourage travelers from visiting the U.S. because they would have to shell out $250 and wonder if they would ever get the reimbursement.
“This fee, which will be at least $250 and comes on top of existing visa fees, adds an unnecessary financial barrier for international visitors,” said Erik Hansen, US Travel’s senior vice president, government relation affairs. “Among the top deterrents to visiting the U.S. are cost and visa wait times. And the new visa integrity fee increases the upfront costs of visiting the U.S. 144%, while doing nothing to lower interview wait times. Even if it is technically reimbursable, the added complexity and cost will discourage visitors.”
$24 I-94 Fee
That’s not all of the costly news for some international arrivals in the new law: The application fee for the I-94 arrival and departure record will rise to $24 from $6.
This fee will likely apply to travelers entering the U.S. by land, and to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries.
This fee will also increase each year with inflation. Those exempt from filling out the form include American citizens, resident aliens, most Canadians, and aliens with immigration visas.
$40 ESTA Fee
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee is rising to $40 from the current $21. This will be paid by travelers who enter the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries at least through 2034.
These are the Visa Waiver Program countries, according to the U.S. Department of State:
Visa Wait Times and Cost
A family of four from Brazil, which is not a visa waiver program country, would pay $1,876 in visa fees under the new pay structure to travel to the U.S., an increase of more than $1,100, according to the trade association.
“At a time when the U.S. should be focused on attracting more international visitors, especially ahead of global events like the World Cup and Summer Olympics, burdening them with higher fees and reducing funding for Brand USA is counterproductive,” Hansen said. “We need smarter policies that enhance our global competitiveness, not ones that make the U.S. a less welcoming destination.”
Revenue Generators
Backers of the fees, however, see them as revenue generators.
For example, 20% of the I-94 fees are earmarked for the Land Border Inspection Fee account, 20% go to Customs & Border Protection, and 60% ends up in the Treasury Department general fund.
Regarding the ESTA fee, $10 goes to the Department of Homeland Security for cost recovery, $13 is funneled to the Treasury Department for Deficit Reduction, and $17 of the fee goes to the Travel Promotion Fund, which funds Brand USA.
The travel industry’s top event returns this fall.
September 16-18, 2025 – NEW YORK CITY
Parts of the Grand Canyon National Park have been closed for the rest of the 2025 season as wildfires burn across the region, covering parts of one of the U.S.’s most visited natural landmarks in smoke.
The North Rim’s Dragon Bravo Fire exploded in size by 500 acres on the evening of July 12 as gusty winds, dry air and above-normal heat hit the area.
The fires destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous surrounding cabins, according to the National Park Service.
Firefighters say there is currently zero containment.
“We are devastated by the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and historic buildings on the North Rim. All guests and staff are safe,” the lodge said in a statement, adding that it will be in touch with visitors who have future bookings.
Aerial footage released by the National Parks Service on Friday showed the remains of the famous lodge.
Grand Canyon Closures for the Rest of the Season
The cause of the fire was linked to lightning strikes, according to local reports.
Early damage assessments suggest that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including park administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Fire fighting efforts continue around the threatened area.
But with fire activity still high and infrastructure at risk, officials say the North Rim will remain closed to all visitors for the rest of the year.
The South Rim, which receives the majority of visitor traffic, remains open.
Skift’s in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift’s editorial team.
The travel industry’s top event returns this fall.
September 16-18, 2025 – NEW YORK CITY
The global Luxury Travel Market is projected to be valued at approximately USD 1.38 trillion in 2024, and it is anticipated to reach around USD 3.06 trillion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.
Luxury Travel Market Overview
The Luxury Travel Market is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increased spending on personalized experiences, and the growing demand for exclusive and high-end travel services. This market caters to affluent travelers seeking unique, customized, and experiential journeys that include private aviation, luxury cruises, five-star accommodations, and curated cultural or adventure experiences. Technological advancements and digital platforms are enhancing the ease of booking and tailoring luxury travel experiences. Additionally, sustainability and eco-luxury tourism are gaining traction as high-end travelers become more environmentally conscious. The market is also benefiting from the expansion of wellness tourism and immersive destination experiences. With strong demand from regions like Europe, North America, and emerging Asian economies, the luxury travel sector is set for significant expansion in the coming years.
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5) SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, and Porter’s five force analysis
The report further explores the key business players along with their in-depth profiling
TUI Group, Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, Scott Dunn Ltd., Thomas Cook Group, Cox & Kings Ltd., Butterfield & Robinson Inc., Micato Safaris, Exodus Travels, Travcoa, and Zicasso / Backroads / Tauck.
Luxury Travel Market Segments:
By Type of Tour:
• Customized & Private Vacations
• Adventure & Safari
• Cruise/Ship Expedition
• Culinary Travel & Shopping
• Celebration & Special Events
• Wellness & Spiritual Travel
By Age Group:
• Millennials (21-30 years)
• Generation X (31-40 years)
• Baby Boomers (41-60 years)
• Seniors (61 and above)
By Traveler Type:
• Solo
• Couple
• Family Group
• Friends Group
By Booking Channel:
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
• Direct Booking
• Travel Agents & Tour Operators
Report Drivers & Trends Analysis:
The report also discusses the factors driving and restraining market growth, as well as their specific impact on demand over the forecast period. Also highlighted in this report are growth factors, developments, trends, challenges, limitations, and growth opportunities. This section highlights emerging Luxury Travel Market trends and changing dynamics. Furthermore, the study provides a forward-looking perspective on various factors that are expected to boost the market’s overall growth.
Competitive Landscape Analysis:
In any market research analysis, the main field is competition. This section of the report provides a competitive scenario and portfolio of the Luxury Travel Market’s key players. Major and emerging market players are closely examined in terms of market share, gross margin, product portfolio, production, revenue, sales growth, and other significant factors. Furthermore, this information will assist players in studying critical strategies employed by market leaders in order to plan counterstrategies to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Regional Outlook:
The following section of the report offers valuable insights into different regions and the key players operating within each of them. To assess the growth of a specific region or country, economic, social, environmental, technological, and political factors have been carefully considered. The section also provides readers with revenue and sales data for each region and country, gathered through comprehensive research. This information is intended to assist readers in determining the potential value of an investment in a particular region.
» North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
» Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)
» Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)
» South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)
» Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Africa, Rest of MEA)
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Key Benefits for Stakeholders:
⏩ The study represents a quantitative analysis of the present Luxury Travel Market trends, estimations, and dynamics of the market size from 2025 to 2032 to determine the most promising opportunities.
⏩ Porter’s five forces study emphasizes the importance of buyers and suppliers in assisting stakeholders to make profitable business decisions and expand their supplier-buyer network.
⏩ In-depth analysis, as well as the market size and segmentation, help you identify current Luxury Travel Market opportunities.
⏩ The largest countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the market.
⏩ The Luxury Travel Market research report gives a thorough analysis of the current status of the Luxury Travel Market’s major players.
Key questions answered in the report:
➧ What will the market development pace of the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ What are the key factors driving the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ Who are the key manufacturers in the market space?
➧ What are the market openings, market hazards,s and market outline of the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ What are the sales, revenue, and price analysis of the top manufacturers of the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ Who are the distributors, traders, and dealers of Luxury Travel Market?
➧ What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ What are deals, income, and value examination by types and utilizations of the Luxury Travel Market?
➧ What are deals, income, and value examination by areas of enterprises in the Luxury Travel Market?
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➼ In-depth analysis of the market on the global and regional levels.
➼ Major changes in market dynamics and competitive landscape.
➼ Segmentation on the basis of type, application, geography, and others.
➼ Historical and future market research in terms of size, share growth, volume, and sales.
➼ Major changes and assessment in market dynamics and developments.
➼ Emerging key segments and regions
➼ Key business strategies by major market players and their key methods
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