New research confirms tourism as key economic strength

Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb today welcomed two research papers released by Tourism Research Australia that show the tourism sector has continued to experience strong growth. “Tourism is one of our nation’s key economic strengths. The jobs of over 929,000 Australians are linked to tourism and for every dollar that is spent on tourism, an additional 90 cents is generated in other parts of the Australian economy. Across the country, that is a higher dollar impact than retail, mining or education and really demonstrates that tourism does indeed sit alongside mining and education as something that we do in Australia better than most and as good as anyone,” Mr Robb said. “It is also a sector that has the potential to experience even higher growth rates as we position the industry to capitalise on the emerging Asian economies. “This year alone, we have seen an increase of 27 per cent in holiday visitors from China coming to Australia – this is significant year on year growth from 2011-12 and has contributed to the fact that 20 per cent of all first time holiday visitors to Australia are now from China,” he said. Key findings from Tourism’s Contribution to the Australian Economy, 1997–98 to 2012–13 include: The Australian tourism industry’s total (direct and indirect) contribution to the national economy grew by 4.3 per cent from 2011-12 to reach $91 billion or six per cent of Australia’s GDP. Tourism employment, direct and indirect, grew 2.9 per cent from 2011-12 to reach 929,000. Tourism’s economic contribution has grown on average by 4.5 per cent since 1997-98. Every dollar directly generated by Australia’s tourism industry, generates around 90 cents within the Australian economy. This is higher than for other industries including mining, retail trade and education. Key findings from the International Visitors in Australia: December 2013 quarterly results of the International Visitor Survey include: The number of international visitors aged 15 years and over arriving in Australia increased six per cent to 5.9 million. Visitor numbers from the US increased six per cent to 472,500 – the highest increase on record. China is Australia’s top trip expenditure market, increasing 16 per cent to $4.8 billion in 2013. China is also the second largest market in terms of visitor numbers (second to New Zealand) which increased 14 per cent to 665,000 in 2013. The number of Chinese holiday visitors coming to Australia for the first time increased 27 per cent with China now accounting for 20 per cent of all first time holiday visitors to Australia. Tourism’s Contribution to the Australian Economy, 1997–98 to 2012–13 can be accessed at: http://tra.gov.au/publications/tourism-and-the-australian-economy-Tourisms_Contribution_to_the_Australian_Economy_2012_13.html The International Visitors in Australia: December 2013 quarterly results of the International Visitor Survey can be accessed at: http://tra.gov.au/publications/latest-ivs-report.html Article Source: http://www.trademinister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2014/ar_mr_140430.aspx?ministerid=3