Tourexpi
The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the global tourism body shows the sector is forecast to rise almost a third above pre-pandemic levels - equivalent to 11.4% of GDP.
This strong growth reflects the continued recovery and resilience of Australia’s tourism economy, with a boost from international demand and a thriving domestic travel market.
In 2025, the Travel & Tourism is projected to support 1.7MN jobs, representing over 11.5% of national employment, and 100,000 more jobs than last year.
Visitor spending continues to rise across the board, with international visitor spending predicted to reach $39BN, nearly 22% above 2024, setting a record new milestone for Australia.
Domestic visitor spending is forecast to climb to almost $173BN.
Together, these figures underscore Australia’s status as a top-tier global destination, known for its diverse natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and world-class tourism infrastructure.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “Australia is proving once again that it is a powerhouse for Travel & Tourism. This record contribution to the economy and workforce reflects years of collaboration between industry and government.
“I was delighted to see this momentum firsthand in Perth last year when Tourism Western Australia hosted WTTC’s Global Summit – a clear signal of the country's leadership in the global tourism sector.
“From the cities to the outback, and coast to coast, Australia offers unforgettable experiences. With continued investment in connectivity, sustainability, and experience design, the outlook for the next decade is incredibly promising.”
Reflecting on 2024
In 2024, Australia’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed $297BN to the national economy and supported 1.6MN jobs. International visitor spending totalled $32.1BN and domestic visitor spending reached $123.7BN, making up the lion’s share of the recovery.
Looking Ahead to 2035
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute over $406BN to Australia’s economy, an almost 12% share of GDP, and support more than 2.1MN jobs.
Visitor spending is also expected to grow steadily. International visitor spending is forecast reach more than $52BN while domestic visitor spending is projected to hit almost $221BN.
For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC’s latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub.
Australia Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Factsheet
Australia Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Full Report
Picture Credit: © WTTC
The most interesting news


Seabourn announces new ocean and expedition itineraries for 2027–2028
Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has released its 2027 summer ocean and 2027–2028 expedition schedules, offering 111 departures across 72 unique itineraries to 369 destinations in 71 countries on all seven continents.


Ryanair to open new base in Tirana für Summer 2026
Ryanair, Albania’s fastest-growing airline, today announced that it will open a new base at Tirana Airport in April 2026, with three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based there.


Empowering youth entrepreneurship in the Dominican Republic
TUI Care Foundation supports new ecotourism experiences.


IHG Accelerates Growth in Thailand with Introduction of voco Hotels to Phuket
175-key voco Phuket Bangtao to open in 2029 as brand’s third signing in the country.


Recovery Prospects for Germany’s Incoming Tourism after a Challenging First Half of 2025
After a first half marked by trade disputes and geopolitical tensions that unsettled consumers in many source markets, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) now sees signs of renewed interest among potential visitors from key markets for the remai


Agoda and ASEAN Launch ‘A Destination for Every Dream’ Campaign on ASEAN Day
Digital travel platform Agoda, in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has launched the ‘A Destination for Every Dream’ campaign to inspire and promote travel within the ASEAN region.


Spain: Tourism employment exceeds 3 million for the first time outside the traditional high season
In the second quarter of 2025, the tourism sector recorded 3,024,347 people in employment — a 2% increase compared with the same period in 2024 — marking the first time that tourism employment has surpassed the 3-million mark outside the months t


Tourism Employment in Spain Reaches 2.98 Million in July, Up 2.9% Year-on-Year
Employment in Spain’s tourism sector continued to grow at a steady pace in July, reaching 2.98 million workers affiliated with the Social Security system, according to data published by Turespaña.


WTTC Unveils First Wave of Speakers for 25th Global Summit in Rome
Landmark event to bring together world leaders in Travel & Tourism.


Ice and equator: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises presents experiences in the world’s most remote places
From the icy expanses of the Northwest Passage to the sun-drenched lagoons of the South Pacific, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering extraordinary expedition routes aboard its small, highly manoeuvrable expedition ships.


RED Goes Green: Radisson RED Oslo City Centre Opens as a Verified Net Zero Hotel
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, one of the first two hotels worldwide to achieve Verified Net Zero status.


Qatar Airways to Begin Operations at JFK’s New Terminal One by 2026
Qatar Airways, recently named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax for a record ninth time, has announced that it will relocate its New York operations to The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2026.


Switching Off in Style and Silence: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations for Digital Detox
Constant availability, packed schedules, and endless scrolling define the everyday lives of many people. Digital Detox means deliberately going offline to create space for nature, relaxation, and genuine encounters.


Klook Launches First Multi-Market Partnership to Enhance Muslim Travel Experience
Klook and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have announced the launch of their first-ever multi-market campaign, designed to position Hong Kong as a welcoming and inclusive destination for Muslim travelers.


Thailand Takes Centre Stage as Bangkok Hosts Nas Summit 2025
Landmark content creator summit reinforces Thailand’s role in global creative tourism.


Bangkok Crowned the World’s Best City for Gen Z in Time Out’s 2025 Global Ranking
Bangkok has officially been named the world’s best city for Gen Z, topping Time Out’s first-ever global ranking dedicated to the under-30 generation.


W Hotels debuts in the all-inclusive segment with the opening of W Punta Cana
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy, together with Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels, has announced the opening of W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, the brand’s first all-inclusive resort worldwide.


Celebrity River Cruises Launches Priority Booking Access for Inaugural 2027 Season
Celebrity Cruises is expanding its premium offering with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, entering the river cruise market in 2027.


Wego Partners with Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency Aiming At MENA Travelers
Wego, the leading travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to launch a regional campaign promoting T


Delta expands seamless travel experience with faster bag drop, security and connections
Delta is rolling out a series of innovations designed to make travel smoother and more efficient for its customers — on the ground and in the air.


Awaken in Paradise: Sunrise Serenity at TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa
Guests at TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa are greeted each morning with a spectacular sunrise from the hotel’s 17th floor, where the sky glows in brilliant shades of orange over the East Sea.
