How Big Is Tourism in Australia?

By Alice Nichols

Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country boasts a wide range of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities that attract millions of visitors every year. In this article, we will explore just how big tourism is in Australia.

Overview of Australian Tourism

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2019, tourism generated $60.8 billion in revenue for the country. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year and highlights the importance of tourism to Australia’s economic growth.

International Visitors

Australia attracts millions of international visitors every year. In 2019, there were over 9 million international visitor arrivals to Australia. The top five countries that contributed to this were:

  • China
  • New Zealand
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Japan

These countries accounted for over half (54%) of all international visitor arrivals.

Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism is also an essential part of Australia’s tourism industry. In 2019, there were over 113 million domestic overnight trips within Australia. These trips generated $80 billion in spending and accounted for over two-thirds (67%) of total tourism expenditure.

Tourism Industry Employment

Tourism is not just essential for generating revenue; it also plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities. According to Tourism Research Australia, the industry directly employed over 666,000 people in 2018-19. This represents around 5% of all employment in Australia.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Australian Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Australian tourism industry. With travel restrictions and border closures, international visitor arrivals have plummeted. In the year ending June 2020, international visitor arrivals were down by over 60% compared to the previous year.

Domestic tourism has also been affected by COVID-19. With lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, many Australians have been unable to travel within the country. This has resulted in a significant decrease in domestic tourism expenditure.

Conclusion

Tourism is a vital industry for Australia’s economy. It generates billions of dollars in revenue, provides employment opportunities, and showcases Australia’s unique natural and cultural attractions to the world. However, as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, this industry is also vulnerable to external factors that can significantly impact its growth and success.