Though Western Australia was the last state in Australia to reopen its borders after the Covid-19 pandemic, key moves by the government, notably its tourism department, have led to the emergence of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, as the fastest growing aviation hub in all of Australia as well as a record growth in Perth as a tourist destination.

These are some of the findings of an analysis by travel intelligence company ForwardKeys which says Perth has registered a remarkable growth in the past three years.

In a press statement, ForwardKeys says that Western Australia, and specifically Perth is experiencing a surge in popularity, both as a destination in its own right and as a crucial transfer hub connecting Europe with the rest of Australia.

It says that a strategic partnership with Qantas, the national carrier of Australia, establishing Perth Airport as a key hub, combined with the city’s appealing blend of sunshine, urban vibrancy, and natural beauty, has fuelled this growth, which has even surpassed pre-pandemic levels in terms of international inbound capacity.

Growth of Perth Airport as per analysis by ForwardKeys

Seat capacity growth beats the national average

ForwardKeys says that international airlines have significantly increased their operations at Perth Airport (PER) throughout 2024. Available seat capacity on international routes into Perth is up by over 30 pc compared to 2023, significantly outpacing the 14 pc increase seen nationwide.

The statement adds that domestically, the airport is thriving, with an 8 pc increase in available seat capacity in 2024. Its combined domestic and international growth positions Perth as the fastest-growing Australian city for air travel, outperforming established hubs Sydney and Melbourne.

ForwardKeys says that the influx of French travellers is particularly noteworthy. A new direct Qantas route between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Perth has led to a substantial increase in arrivals from Paris, including a significant rise in premium cabin bookings, indicating strong appeal to high-value travellers.

It adds that the number of international travellers using Perth’s strategic west coast location as a gateway to other Australian destinations has grown dramatically, and many extend their stay in Perth, proving the city’s ability to convert transit passengers into tourists.

Bing Han

“The outlook remains positive through December 2024. International arrivals are projected to continue their upward trend, with strong growth anticipated from key markets like Japan, the USA, and South Korea. The increasing number of couples, families, and groups choosing Perth as their destination underscores its diverse appeal and ability to cater to a wide range of travel styles,’’ says Bing Han, VP of Sales, APAC, ForwardKeys.

The statement adds that Perth’s remarkable journey from a relatively isolated city to a thriving international hub and desirable tourist destination is a testament to its strategic vision, natural attractions, and growing global recognition.