How Many Jobs Are in Tourism Australia?

By Robert Palmer

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year. But have you ever wondered how many jobs are in tourism Australia? Let’s take a closer look.

The Importance of Tourism in Australia

Tourism is a vital industry in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. According to recent statistics, tourism accounts for approximately 3% of Australia’s GDP and employs over 600,000 people across the country. This makes it one of the largest employers in the country.

How Many Jobs are in Tourism in Australia?

The number of jobs in the tourism industry varies depending on how you define “tourism.” However, there are several key sectors within tourism that employ significant numbers of people. These include:

  • Accommodation services
  • Food and beverage services
  • Tourism services
  • Transportation services

According to recent data from Tourism Research Australia, as of March 2021, there were approximately:

  • 224,200 people employed in accommodation services
  • 338,500 people employed in food and beverage services
  • 53,300 people employed in tourism services
  • 182,100 people employed in transportation services (including air transport)

Total Number of Jobs:

When we add up all these sectors’ employment figures, we get a total number of approximately 798,100 jobs within the tourism industry.

The Future of Jobs in Tourism Australia

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Australian tourism industry. Travel restrictions and border closures have led to a significant decline in tourist arrivals and revenue loss for businesses operating within the industry. This has resulted in job losses, with many businesses having to reduce their workforce or shut down entirely.

However, there is hope on the horizon. As vaccination rates increase and the world slowly returns to normal, there is expected to be a surge in domestic tourism, followed by international travel. This will likely lead to an increase in job opportunities within the industry as businesses begin to ramp up their operations.

Conclusion

Tourism is a vital industry that provides employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people across Australia. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry and resulted in job losses, there is hope for the future as domestic and international tourism picks up again. With a wide range of sectors within tourism employing people across the country, it’s clear that this industry will continue to be an essential contributor to Australia’s economy for years to come.