Australia is a stunning country that boasts of natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It is no surprise that tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy. In this article, we will explore the question – Is Tourism Big in Australia?
Overview of Tourism in Australia
Tourism is a vital industry for Australia, and it contributes significantly to the economy. According to a report by Tourism Research Australia, the sector generated $60.8 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019-2020, which accounted for 3.1% of the country’s GDP.
International Tourism
International tourism is a crucial component of the Australian tourism industry, with millions of tourists visiting the country every year. In 2019-2020, there were 9.4 million international visitors to Australia, who spent $31.2 billion during their stay.
The top ten countries from where tourists arrived were China, New Zealand, the United States of America (USA), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom (UK), India and Hong Kong.
Domestic Tourism
Domestic tourism also plays a significant role in the Australian tourism industry. In 2019-2020 there were 109 million domestic overnight trips made within Australia generating $61 billion in spending.
The top five destinations for domestic travel within Australia are Queensland followed by New South Wales then Victoria then Western Australia and finally South Australia.
Reasons Behind The Popularity Of Tourism In Australia
What makes Australia such an attractive destination for tourists? Here are some reasons:
- Natural Beauty: From stunning beaches to rugged mountains and vast deserts to lush rainforests; Australia has it all.
- Cultural Diversity: The country has a rich cultural heritage, and its people come from diverse backgrounds, creating a unique blend of traditions and customs.
- Wildlife: Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and fascinating wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and many more.
- Sporting Events: Australia hosts various international sporting events such as the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and the Melbourne Cup Horse Racing.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Australian Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism industry hard worldwide. Australia was no exception. The country closed its borders to international tourists in March 2020 to control the spread of the virus.
In 2020-2021 international visitor arrivals declined by 85% compared to the previous year. Domestic tourism also saw a decline due to border closures between states.
However, with vaccines being rolled out globally, there is hope that international travel will resume soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is undoubtedly big in Australia. The country’s natural beauty, unique wildlife, cultural diversity and sporting events make it an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. Although COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the tourism industry globally including in Australia but with vaccinations being rolled out there is hope for recovery soon.