Is Tourism in Australia Growing?

By Robert Palmer

Australia is a country that has always been known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. It is not surprising that tourism has always been an essential part of the Australian economy.

However, the question on everyone’s mind is whether tourism in Australia is growing or declining. Here, we will take a closer look at the numbers and trends to see where the industry stands.

Current State of Tourism in Australia

According to recent statistics, the tourism industry in Australia is indeed growing. In 2019, there were approximately 9.4 million international visitors to Australia, which was a 3% increase from the previous year. Similarly, domestic travel also grew by 5%, with Australians taking over 113 million overnight trips.

The Role of International Visitors

International visitors play a significant role in the growth of tourism in Australia. In 2019 alone, they contributed AUD $45 billion to the economy through their spending on accommodation, food and drinks, transport, and entertainment. The top countries that contributed towards this growth were China (1.4 million visitors), New Zealand (1.3 million visitors), and the United States (764k visitors).

Trends in Tourism

One trend that has become apparent over recent years is the rise of ecotourism in Australia. This type of tourism focuses on experiencing nature while minimizing environmental impact. This has been driven by an increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability concerns globally.

Another trend is the growth of Indigenous tourism offerings across various regions in Australia. Tourists can learn about Aboriginal culture through art exhibitions, guided tours of ancient rock art sites or visiting remote communities to experience traditional lifestyles.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on international travel worldwide including Australia’s tourism industry with international arrivals down by more than 60% in 2020, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. Though the domestic tourism industry has been able to make up for some of the losses, the overall hit has been substantial.

Conclusion

Overall, tourism in Australia is still growing despite the current pandemic situation. With its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, it is not surprising that Australia continues to be a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The industry’s focus on ecotourism and indigenous experiences is a positive trend that showcases the country’s unique culture and natural beauty. However, as we navigate through the pandemic and its impact on travel, it remains to be seen how quickly tourism in Australia can fully recover.