Tourism is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy, generating billions of dollars annually. It plays a vital role in sustaining jobs, businesses, and regional development, making it a valuable sector for the country.
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Tourism is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy, generating billions of dollars annually. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, tourism expenditure reached AUD 154.1 billion in the year ending March 2020, with both domestic and international tourism playing a vital role in sustaining jobs, businesses, and regional development. It is a valuable sector for the country, fueling economic growth and promoting cultural exchange.
Australia’s diverse landscape and unique wildlife attract millions of tourists each year. From stunning coastal areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Twelve Apostles to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, Australia offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore.
One interesting fact is that international visitors contribute significantly to Australia’s tourism revenue. In the year ending March 2020, international visitors spent AUD 45.5 billion in Australia. These visitors not only support businesses directly related to tourism, such as accommodation and transportation, but also contribute to the local economy through spending on retail, dining, and entertainment.
Furthermore, tourism has a ripple effect throughout various industries, boosting employment opportunities across the country. The tourism industry directly employed over 666,000 people in Australia in 2019-2020, accounting for 5% of the total employment. Its indirect impact on job creation is even more significant, as it stimulates demand for goods and services from a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, retail, transportation, arts, and recreation.
As Richard Branson, the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, once said, “The tourism industry is of great importance to the world economy. It creates jobs and economic growth while showcasing the beauty, culture, and diversity of nations.” This quote highlights the multifaceted benefits that tourism brings to a country like Australia, not only in terms of economic gains but also in the promotion of cultural exchange and appreciation.
To present the information in a visually appealing manner, here is a table showcasing the latest available data on tourism expenditure in Australia:
| Year Ending March | Tourism Expenditure (AUD billion) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 154.1 |
| 2019 | 152.8 |
| 2018 | 143.8 |
| 2017 | 134.8 |
This table provides an overview of the steady growth in tourism expenditure, indicating the importance and value of the tourism sector in Australia’s economy.
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Australia is a world-leading tourist destination. Our tourism sector contributes $152 billion to our economy, supports more than 300,000 businesses and employs more than 660,000 Australians.
In the financial year 2018–19, Australia generated $60.8 billion in direct tourism gross domestic product (GDP). This represents a growth of 3.5 per cent over the previous year – faster than the national GDP growth. Tourism also directly employed 666,000 Australians making up 5 per cent of Australia’s workforce.
In 2019, tourism in Australia accounted for 3.1% of the national GDP, contributing $60.8 billion to the Australian economy. The means that tourism GDP grew at a faster rate than the national economy. Of this, 26% came from international visitors to Australia while 74% came from domestic tourism. 8