Australia is a land of vast natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife. It’s no wonder that it’s a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.
So, what rank is Australia in tourism? Let’s explore.
International Tourist Arrivals
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Australia welcomed a total of 9.4 million international tourist arrivals in 2019. This represents a growth of 3.2% compared to the previous year, and it’s a new record for the country.
Ranking Among Global Destinations
With 9.4 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, Australia ranked as the 20th most visited destination in the world. This is an impressive achievement considering that there are over 200 countries and territories around the globe.
Regional Ranking
Australia is part of the Asia-Pacific region, which is one of the fastest-growing tourism regions in the world. In this region, Australia ranks as the fourth most visited destination after Thailand, Malaysia, and China.
Top Tourist Markets
Australia attracts tourists from all over the world, but some markets are more significant than others. The top five tourist markets for Australia in 2019 were:
- China: 1.4 million visitors
- New Zealand: 1.3 million visitors
- United States: 764,000 visitors
- United Kingdom: 674,000 visitors
- Japan: 446,000 visitors
It’s worth noting that China has been the largest source market for Australia since 2017.
Tourism Industry Contribution to Economy
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing millions of jobs. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the tourism industry contributed $60.8 billion to the economy in 2018-19 and employed over 660,000 people.
Domestic Tourism
While international tourism is essential for Australia’s economy, domestic tourism is also significant. In 2019, Australians took a total of 114 million domestic overnight trips and spent $80.7 billion on domestic travel.
Conclusion
In summary, Australia is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. With 9.4 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, it ranks as the 20th most visited destination globally and the fourth most visited in the Asia-Pacific region. The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy and provides millions of jobs for its citizens.