How Australia’s Landmark China Tourism Agreements Will Supercharge Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Demand

October 7, 2025
5 min read
How Australia’s Landmark China Tourism Agreements Will Supercharge Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Demand

In July 2025, Australia formalised a series of landmark partnerships with China through a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tourism Australia and China Media Group (CMG), as well as a government-backed Trip.com Group initiative witnessed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. These agreements are part of a targeted strategy to cement Australia as the top Southern Hemisphere destination for Chinese travellers - backed by innovative joint advertising, cultural storytelling, and package creation that will deeply connect with millions of Chinese tourists planning their next getaway in Australia. 

Why Chinese Tourism Growth Matters For Property Owners

China remains Australia’s largest source of tourism expenditure, responsible for around 25% of all short-term international visitor spend in the last year. In a market already outperforming global peers, the number of Chinese arrivals to Australia rose 26% year-on-year to March 2025, and experts expect this trajectory to continue as new marketing campaigns, destination packages, and government incentives come online. For hosts and property investors, this signals a golden moment: More visitors means more bookings, higher occupancy rates, and ultimately stronger rental yields.

Key Facts and Figures:

  1. 860,000 trips by Chinese visitors to Australia (year ending March 2025).

  1. $9.2 billion in total tourism expenditure by Chinese travellers in the last 12 months (26% of all short-term international spend).

  1. Trip.com Group, a major partner, holds over 40% of the Chinese travel market and reaches 300 million global travellers, powering sustained demand for quality accommodation.

Tourism Australia and CMG partnership leverages TV, radio, digital, and social media storytelling to further boost destination visibility.

Destinations Set to Benefit – Major Cities and Beyond

While Sydney and Melbourne remain the most popular arrival points, Chinese tourists increasingly seek authentic experiences in regional centres, nature destinations, and adventure hotspots - driving demand for short-term rental homes and apartments in cities and tourist regions across Australia, not just capital hotspots. Through government and industry support, marketing focus will spotlight both premier city stays and unique regional escapes, expanding the reach and resilience of the accommodation market.

The Unmissable Opportunity for Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Property Investors

With China’s Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme now reopened and supported by bilateral government oversight and industry partnerships, expectations are for sustained year-on-year visitor growth well into 2026 and beyond. Purchasers, investors, and property owners who act quickly can benefit from first-mover advantage, ensuring their properties are listed, optimised, and prominent just as record waves of demand begin to materialise.

Why MadeComfy is the Strategic Solution for Capturing Increased Chinese Guest Demand - Unbeatable Market Reach

MadeComfy leverages leading local and international booking platforms - including Airbnb, Trip.com, Expedia, and VRBO - to maximise global exposure and ensure properties reach the fastest-growing pool of Chinese travellers.

Australian cities and regions are already noticing stronger occupancy rates, especially during peak Chinese holiday seasons and major travel campaigns like “Come and Say G’Day”. Platforms such as Airbnb are capturing double-digit gains in booking volumes, with listings close to tourist districts, universities, shopping precincts, and nature attractions benefiting the most. With Trip.com Group now central to Australia’s inbound marketing (reaching 300 million users and controlling 40% of the Chinese travel market), cross-platform promotion is amplifying visibility for well-managed short-term rentals

Intelligent Pricing Algorithm

Our dynamic pricing system analyses local demand spikes - such as seasonal Chinese travel peaks and major tourism marketing pushes - and optimises nightly rates for maximum yield, ensuring owners enjoy both high occupancy and premium returns.

Culturally Attuned Guest Experience

MadeComfy’s guest services are tailored to international visitors, from bilingual communication and local guides to seamless pre-arrival and in-stay support. By understanding Chinese traveller preferences and travel habits - surfaced via our own guest data and industry best practice - MadeComfy drives higher guest satisfaction, more five-star reviews, and greater repeat booking rates.

Professional Marketing Assets & Partnerships

We create professional photography, compelling property descriptions in multiple languages, and leverage targeted digital campaigns in both Australia and key origin markets. Our industry partnerships open up special listing features and preferential exposure, positioning MadeComfy homes as top choices for Chinese tourists searching for Australia stays.

End-to-End Operational Excellence

From cleaning to maintenance and 24/7 check-in, MadeComfy ensures every property is guest-ready and maintains the standards expected of international visitors - especially as new safety, compliance, and guest service benchmarks are rolled out as part of cross-border industry agreements.

Demonstrated ROI: Driving Results for Property Owners

Our partners consistently achieve above-market occupancy rates and income, especially during periods of international surges such as Chinese New Year and major outbound mass-travel campaigns supported by Tourism Australia and Trip.com. Early adopters of our service report double-digit yield gains compared to unmanaged or under-managed properties, underlining the value of expert stewardship in a competitive market.

Real Results:

  1. Above-market Airbnb occupancy through targeted listing strategies, corporate client database and dynamic pricing 
  2. Higher nightly rates during Chinese festival travel peaks and campaign periods.
  3. More reviews and repeat bookings from satisfied international visitors.

Increased property value through better reputation and care.

Ready to Capitalise? Partner With the Leader in Airbnb Property Management in Australia and New Zealand. See how much you can earn with MadeComfy.

The partnership between Australia and China’s tourism giants signals a strong shift in market potential for Australian property owners. Those ready to seize the opportunity - equipped with MadeComfy’s expertise and reach - stand to earn premium returns amid the strongest inbound market seen in years.

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