Australia is known for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and unique wildlife. It’s no wonder that tourism is one of the biggest industries in the country.
But just how many jobs does the tourism industry provide? Let’s dive in.
What is Tourism?
Before we delve into the numbers, let’s first define what tourism is. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, tourism refers to “the activity of visitors taking a trip to a main destination outside their usual environment, for less than a year.”
Tourism Employment in Australia
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, generating billions of dollars each year. In 2019-2020, tourism contributed $60.8 billion to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product).
But what about employment? The tourism industry provides jobs for millions of Australians across various sectors such as accommodation, food services, and transport. In fact, according to Tourism Research Australia’s latest report on Tourism Employment and GDP (2018-19), the tourism industry provided employment for over 666,000 people.
Accommodation Sector
The accommodation sector is one of the most crucial parts of the tourism industry in Australia. It includes hotels, motels, resorts, apartments and other types of lodgings for tourists.
In 2019-2020 alone, this sector provided employment for over 96 thousand people.
Food Services Sector
The food services sector includes restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to tourists. This sector provided employment for over 271 thousand people in 2019-2020.
Transport Sector
The transport sector plays a vital role in facilitating travel within and outside Australia. It includes airlines, cruise ships and car rental companies among others.
In 2019-2020, this sector provided employment for over 77 thousand people.
Tourism-Related Services Sector
This sector includes travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism-related services. In 2019-2020, it provided employment for over 140 thousand people.
Conclusion
From the above statistics, we can conclude that the tourism industry is a significant employer in Australia. It provides jobs for almost seven percent of the total workforce in the country. With its vast and diverse offerings, Australia’s tourism industry will continue to grow and provide more job opportunities in the future.
So if you’re looking for a career in tourism, there are plenty of options available across various sectors. Happy job hunting!