Tourism is a thriving industry in Australia, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year. With stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage, Australia offers a wide range of tourism experiences.
But is tourism a good career choice in Australia? Let’s explore this question in detail.
What is Tourism?
Tourism refers to the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes. Tourism includes accommodation, transportation, food and beverage services, attractions, and events.
The Tourism Industry in Australia
The tourism industry is one of the largest employers in Australia, contributing significantly to the economy. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the tourism industry employed 666,000 people in 2019-20. This represented 5% of total employment in Australia.
The tourism industry also generates significant revenue for the country. In 2019-20, international visitors spent $32.5 billion on their trips to Australia. Domestic overnight visitors spent $80 billion on their trips within Australia.
Career Opportunities in Tourism
The tourism industry offers a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors such as hospitality, travel and tour operations, attractions and entertainment venues, events management, and marketing.
Some popular job roles include:
- Hotel Manager
- Tour Guide
- Event Coordinator
- Travel Agent
- Marketing Manager
- Chef
According to Job Outlook data from the Australian Government’s Department of Education Skills and Employment (DESE), employment growth is expected in several occupations related to tourism over the next five years. These include:
- Tourism and Travel Advisers
- Waiters
- Chefs
- Hotel and Motel Managers
- Conference and Event Organisers
- Travel Attendants
The Benefits of a Career in Tourism
There are several benefits to pursuing a career in tourism. These include:
- Opportunities for travel: Many jobs in the tourism industry involve travel, which can be an exciting and enriching experience.
- Flexibility: Many jobs in the tourism industry offer flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or casual work.
- Career progression: The tourism industry offers opportunities for career progression and advancement.
- Diverse work environments: The tourism industry offers a diverse range of work environments, from hotels to national parks to cruise ships.
The Challenges of a Career in Tourism
Like any other industry, the tourism industry has its challenges. Some of the challenges include:
- Seasonal work: Many jobs in the tourism industry are seasonal, which means that employment may not be available year-round.
- Long hours: Some jobs in the tourism industry involve long or irregular hours, especially during peak seasons.
- Customer service: Many jobs in the tourism industry involve dealing with customers, which can be challenging at times.
- Cultural differences: Working with people from different cultures can sometimes be challenging due to differences in language and customs.
Conclusion
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy and offers many career opportunities across various sectors. Pursuing a career in tourism can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
However, it is important to understand that like any other industry, it has its challenges. If you have a passion for travel, hospitality or events management, then a career in tourism might be right for you.