Regional Fuel Survey Dashboard

1247 responses from tourism operators in regions across Australia show a significant level of fuel cost impact, with an average score of 7.6/10. The most common concerns are reduced visitor numbers, shorter stays, and higher operational costs. Visitation is down 22.3% on average, and revenue impacts are sitting at 22.9%, which is below the national average of 25.8%.

Operators say that rising fuel costs are changing how visitors behave. Day-trip visitation, which is the backbone of drive-market tourism, has been hit hardest. Visitors are making fewer trips, spending less per visit, and shortening their stays. Forward booking sentiment remains negative, with tourism operators in regions across Australia worried about the upcoming peak season.

Regional tourism is under increasing strain as operators absorb higher costs while dealing with less demand. Higher fuel prices reduce visitor numbers and at the same time push up operational and supply chain expenses. This is hitting smaller operators especially hard, as they don't have the scale to absorb the margin compression.