Tourism is a significant industry in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. It is not just a source of revenue but also a creator of jobs.
Many people are employed directly or indirectly by the tourism industry. In this article, we will explore how many jobs tourism creates in Australia.
Direct Employment
Tourism is one of the largest employers in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2019, the tourism industry employed around 666,000 people directly. This number represents 5% of the total Australian workforce.
The direct employment includes jobs like front desk staff, tour guides, hotel staff, and restaurant workers. These jobs are created by businesses that cater to tourists and travelers.
Indirect Employment
In addition to direct employment, tourism also creates indirect employment. Indirect employment includes jobs that are created by businesses that supply goods and services to businesses catering to tourists.
For example, a local farmer who supplies produce to restaurants can be considered indirectly employed by the tourism industry. The ABS estimates that for every direct job created by the tourism industry, another three indirect jobs are created.
Regional Employment
The impact of tourism on regional employment cannot be understated. Many rural and remote areas of Australia rely heavily on tourism for their economic survival.
According to Tourism Research Australia (TRA), in 2019-20, regional areas received over half of all domestic overnight trips and around 45% of domestic visitor expenditure. In these regions, tourism provides vital job opportunities that would otherwise not exist.
Future Growth
The future looks bright for job growth in the Australian tourism industry. The Federal Government’s Tourism 2030 plan aims to create an additional 38,000 new jobs each year until 2030.
In addition to this, advancements in technology have made travel more accessible and affordable. This has led to an increase in the number of tourists visiting Australia, which, in turn, will create more employment opportunities.
Conclusion
Tourism is an essential industry in Australia that creates many jobs. It contributes significantly to the country’s economy and provides vital job opportunities in regional areas. With the government’s commitment to growth and advancements in technology, the future looks bright for job creation in the Australian tourism industry.