The ABS data showed overall arrivals into Australia in July were 1.08 million, an increase of 351,000. At the same time, 968,000 Australians left the country, an increase of 87,000 for the month.

The boost has implications for the retail, accommodation and tourism sectors.

The short-term arrivals that included tourists totalled 325,000 in July, a monthly increase of 50,000 trips. Australians who live overseas, but returned on a short-term trip in July totalled 671,000, an increase of 281,000 but still only about half of the pre-Covid total.

Long-term arrivals into Australia were getting back to the normal level. In July 60,000 came into the country, compared with 76,000 pre-Covid. Long-term arrivals into Queensland were up 8000 to 8250.

Short-term arrivals into Queensland hit 82,000 in July, an increase of almost 18,000 for the month, but still well short of the July 2019 figure of 206,000.

New Zealand was the biggest market for arrivals into Queensland during the month with 32,000.

The data showed there were source countries that had collapsed. Singaporean arrivals in July were down 3200 and Indian arrivals were down 1400 for the month.

International arrivals have been the missing component to the sector’s revival following the closure of borders during the pandemic. Domestic tourism in Queensland has been setting a red hot pace for several months.

Data from Tourism Research Australia showed June was a gold mine for Queensland domestic tourism with spending up almost 60 per cent above pre-Covid levels, equating to an extra $808 million for the sector.

New Zealand led the way in arrivals with 80,000 trips into Australia in July followed by the USA (27,000) and the UK (25,000). NSW was the leading destination.