
Australia's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, and provides employment for a large number of people. In the financial year 2023, over 626,000 people were employed in the industry, with the number rising since 2021 when under 403,000 people were employed. The state of New South Wales, a popular tourist destination, had the highest number of people employed directly by the tourism sector in 2023, with around 172,000 people. Australia's tourism industry has shown strong signs of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, with international trips to the country increasing year-on-year since 2023. International visitor numbers have also been closing the gap on pre-pandemic highs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people employed in the tourism industry in 2018-19 | 666,000 |
| Percentage of people employed in tourism who worked full-time in 2018-19 | 48% |
| Percentage of females employed in tourism in 2018-19 | 54% |
| Number of people employed in the tourism industry in June 2023 | 713,000 |
| Number of people employed in the tourism industry in the financial year 2023 | Over 626,000 |
| State with the highest number of people employed directly by the tourism sector in the financial year 2023 | New South Wales (172,000) |
| Number of tourism jobs in March quarter 2025 | 706,400 |
| Percentage change in jobs from December quarter 2024 to March quarter 2025 | -0.6% |
| Number of international trips to Australia in the year ending in September 2023 | 6.1 million |
| Number of international trips to Australia in the year ending in September 2019 | 8.7 million |
| Number of international travellers to Australia from New Zealand in the year ending in September 2023 | 1.1 million |
| Number of international travellers who visited New South Wales in the year ending in September 2023 | 3.1 million |
| Number of international visitors to Australia in 2023 | Over 5 million |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- In 2023, there were over 626,000 people employed in the tourism industry
- In 2018-19, tourism employed 666,000 people
- New South Wales had the highest number of people employed in 2023
- International trips to Australia decreased by 29.5% between 2019 and 2023
- Tourism contributed 8.2% of Australia's export earnings in 2018-19

In 2023, there were over 626,000 people employed in the tourism industry
Tourism in Australia has been on a steady rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, there were over 626,000 people employed in the tourism industry, a significant increase from the under 403,000 people employed in 2021. This growth in employment is a positive sign for the industry, indicating a recovery from the pandemic-induced decline in international arrivals, which reached an all-time low of 140,000 in 2020 and 2021.
The Australian Tourism Industry has been working towards attracting more visitors and encouraging domestic travel. In the year ending in September 2023, there were 6.1 million international trips to Australia, a decrease of 29.5% from the same period in 2019 due to the pandemic. However, this number is expected to increase, with international visitor numbers surpassing five million in 2023. The industry's promotional campaigns, such as the famous "So where the bloody hell are you?" slogan, have contributed to making Australia a desirable destination.
New South Wales is a top tourism employer, with around 172,000 people working directly in the tourism sector in 2023. The state offers a range of attractions, from the coastal city of Sydney to the Blue Mountains, making it a popular destination for domestic and international visitors.
The tourism industry in Australia is diverse, ranging from coastal cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, and the Tasmanian wilderness. The unique Australian wildlife, vast bushlands, and the Outback also draw visitors, creating a vibrant and dynamic tourism sector that contributes significantly to the country's economy.
As of June 2023, the number of tourism jobs in Australia was estimated to be 713,000, showcasing the industry's continued recovery and growth. This number includes jobs directly and indirectly related to tourism, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of tourism on Australia's employment landscape.
Sandwich Heaven: Australia's Big Sandwich Obsession
You may want to see also
Explore related products

In 2018-19, tourism employed 666,000 people
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, and this is evident when we look at the number of people employed in the industry. In 2018-19, tourism employed 666,000 people, which equates to about 1 in 21 jobs across the workforce. This figure includes both direct and indirect employment in the tourism sector. Direct employment refers to jobs with a direct relationship between the visitor and the producer of a good or service.
The tourism industry in Australia has faced its challenges, particularly with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020. International tourism to Australia suffered, with a 29.5% decrease in international trips between September 2019 and September 2023. This, in turn, affected the number of jobs in the industry. However, the industry has shown strong signs of recovery, and as of June 2023, there were 713,000 tourism jobs in Australia, a significant increase from the previous years.
The state of New South Wales has the highest number of people employed directly by the tourism sector, with around 172,000 people in financial year 2023. This is not surprising, as Sydney, the state capital, is a popular destination for international visitors. Other popular destinations include the coastal cities of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, as well as natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Tasmanian wilderness.
Australia's unique wildlife, landscapes, and laid-back culture have made it a top travel destination worldwide. With the increase in incomes, private car ownership, and leisure time, domestic tourism has also flourished. The development of new resorts and improvements in infrastructure have further enhanced Australia's appeal as a tourist destination. The tourism industry's recovery is expected to continue, with international visitor numbers projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025.
Fist Fight: Australian Release Date and Details
You may want to see also
Explore related products

New South Wales had the highest number of people employed in 2023
Australia's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, and in the financial year 2023, the sector demonstrated a promising recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. While international trips to Australia had decreased by 29.5% between September 2019 and September 2023, the country still attracted approximately 3.1 million international visitors in 2023. This influx of tourists contributed to the rebound of the tourism industry, which provided employment for many Australians.
New South Wales, renowned for its captivating destinations like Sydney and the Blue Mountains, has been a major beneficiary of the tourism industry's resurgence. In 2023, New South Wales boasted the highest number of people employed directly by the tourism sector among all Australian states, with around 172,000 people working in tourism-related jobs. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous years, indicating the resilience and growth of the tourism industry in the state.
The high employment numbers in New South Wales can be attributed to the state's diverse and appealing tourist attractions. Sydney, the state's capital, is a vibrant coastal city that draws visitors from all over the world. Its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, coupled with its vibrant culture and natural beauty, make it a sought-after destination. Additionally, the Blue Mountains, located in New South Wales, offer a serene escape from the bustling city life, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The state's strong tourism performance has had a positive impact on the overall economy of New South Wales. The tourism sector's recovery has likely contributed to increased revenue for local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, and tourism operators. This, in turn, can stimulate economic growth, business development, and further job creation in the region. Moreover, the influx of tourists can lead to a ripple effect of economic benefits, extending beyond the tourism industry to support a wide range of ancillary services and industries.
As international travel continues to rebound and Australia's domestic tourism remains robust, the tourism industry in New South Wales is poised for further growth and expansion. With its diverse attractions and strong tourism infrastructure, the state is well-positioned to cater to a wide range of travellers, from those seeking urban adventures to nature enthusiasts exploring the state's vast wilderness. The future of tourism in New South Wales looks promising, and the industry is expected to continue driving employment and economic prosperity in the region.
Exploring Australian Food Culture: Serving and Eating Styles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$66.23 $119.99

International trips to Australia decreased by 29.5% between 2019 and 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted international travel to Australia, with border restrictions in place from March 2020. The number of international trips to Australia decreased by 29.5% between the year ending in September 2019 and September 2023. This decrease is attributed to the pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions.
In the calendar year leading up to December 2019, Australia welcomed 8.7 million international visitors. Tourism is a significant industry in Australia, employing 666,000 people during 2018-19, which accounted for 1 in 21 jobs across the workforce. About 48% of people employed in tourism worked full-time, and 54% were female. Tourism contributed 8.2% of Australia's total export earnings in 2018-19.
The impact of the pandemic was felt across the industry, with a substantial decline in travel movements due to border restrictions. Visitor arrivals have been on the rise since November 2021, when restrictions began to ease, and peaked during the Australian summer holidays in December 2022. In the year ending in September 2023, Australia recorded 6.1 million international trips, a notable recovery from the previous year.
The median duration of stays in Australia has decreased slightly, from 14 days in 2022-23 to 12 days in 2023-24. Despite this, the total number of visitor arrivals in 2023-24 was 7,966,040, a 36% increase from the previous year. This indicates a strong recovery in the tourism industry, with visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
While the industry has shown resilience, some sectors continue to face challenges. In the March quarter of 2025, 7 out of 12 tourism industries recorded a decline in jobs, with travel agency and information centre services experiencing the most significant drop of 2,100 jobs. However, other sectors, such as education and training, have seen an increase of 3,300 jobs in the same period, contributing to an overall 3.0% rise in jobs from the previous year.
Living Comfortably in Australia on a $200K Salary
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$27.01 $37.99
$31.43 $39.99

Tourism contributed 8.2% of Australia's export earnings in 2018-19
Tourism in Australia has been a significant contributor to the country's economy, and in the 2018-19 financial year, it accounted for 8.2% of Australia's export earnings. This highlights the importance of the industry to the nation's overall economic landscape.
The impact of tourism on Australia's economy is far-reaching, and it has been a key driver in the development of new infrastructure and the enhancement of existing facilities. The industry's growth has led to investments in improving highways, opening up national parks, and developing new resorts and accommodation options throughout the country.
In the year ending in December 2019, Australia welcomed 8.7 million international visitors, showcasing the country's appeal as a top travel destination. The unique Australian wildlife, diverse landscapes, and renowned coastal cities have drawn tourists from all over the world. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef are among the most popular destinations.
The Australian Tourism Industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been promising. In the financial year 2023, the industry employed over 626,000 people, with New South Wales leading the way with approximately 172,000 tourism jobs. This rebound in tourism is a positive sign for the industry, and it remains to be seen if the sector will surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025 as projected.
Transform Your TV: Smart TV Options for Australians
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of June 2023, there were 713,000 people employed in the tourism industry in Australia. This number has been rising since 2021, when under 403,000 people were employed in the industry.
Over 626,000 people were directly employed in the tourism sector in Australia in the financial year 2023.
The state of New South Wales had the highest number of people employed directly and indirectly by the tourism sector in the financial year 2023, with around 172,000 people.











































