The International Visitor Survey, which has been released by Tourism Research Australia, shows a moderate growth in overseas visitors to Australia with many specific statistics over the past year. In general, visitor numbers, nights spent and expenditure in the country are all up.

The overall number of visitors increased slightly by 1 percent to more than 5.4 million people and they spent $18 billion in the year to September, up 5 percent compared to the same time last year. The number of nights spent in Australia also rose by 4 percent to 192 million.

Growth in tourism from Asia displayed declines from traditional markets such as Europe, North America and Japan, which was led by China where visitor numbers rose 20 percent for the year. New Zealand nationals still made up the biggest share of the market, followed by those from the UK, China and the U.S. New South Wales is the most popular destination with more than half of all visitors. Queensland and Victoria are the next two. Nearly two thirds of them had been to Australia before.

However, the survey indicated that 2011 was the year when business and education spend lifts Australian tourism. The International Visitor Survey shows the proportion of people coming to Australia for leisure fell by 1 percent with spending down 3 percent. Meanwhile, the number of business visitors to Australia increased by 7 percent and business spending was up 26 percent. A significant proportion of spending also comes from the education sector with $6.6 billion for the year, accounting for 36 percent of total expenditure by international visitors.

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said: "Considering the economic turmoil which has hit much of the world over recent months and the strength of the Australian dollar, the fall in leisure visitors and spending could have been much worse, and today's result is testament to the efforts of Tourism Australia in keeping Australia at the top of international travel wish lists."

But he said it showed the need for rural tourism operators to create new and refreshed products. He also called on Australian immigration minister to widen second-year extensions for Working Holiday Maker visas to include the tourism and hospitality industries.