Tourism continues to shine under Morrison Government

13 December 2019

Australia’s tourism industry has recorded extraordinary growth that cements its place as a super-growth sector in Australia’s economy according to newly released ABS data.

Tourism’s direct contribution to the Australian economy reached $60.8 billion last financial year, a 6.0 per cent increase on the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Tourism Satellite Account for 2018-19.

These figures show that tourism is a great Australian success story, accounting for 3.1 per cent of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product, and incredibly growing at a faster rate than the national economy. This confirms the ongoing importance of tourism to Australia’s economy and our national identity.

Importantly, the figures show 666,000 Australians are directly employed in the tourism industry, an increase of 3.3 per cent compared with the previous year. It is clear that tourism is a major employer, with one in 19 Australians directly employed in the industry, with the sector supporting communities, businesses and families from coast to country.

The report also shows that tourism exports – consumption by international visitors to Australia – also grew by 47 per cent over the past five years to $39.1 billion in 2018–19.

I congratulate the industry for the work that it has done in achieving these outstanding results – these figures are a testament to their hard work, investment and dedication to the industry.

Our Government backs the tourism industry and this data demonstrates that our pro-growth policies are helping to support tourism and the wider economy, from our $50 million Icons investment, to streamlining visa applications, to targeted marketing of our world-class experiences and attractions.

We are committed to continuing to work together with industry to grow tourism into the future, and ensure every region shares in the benefits that tourism bring, which is why regional tourism will form the centrepiece of Tourism 2030 Plan.

Further information on the Tourism Satellite Accounts, 2018–19 can be found here.