Australia’s Travel & Tourism Industry on Track for Historic $315BN Contribution in 2025
Sydney, Australia – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled new data forecasting a landmark year for Australia’s Travel & Tourism industry in 2025. With strong international visitor spending and a booming domestic market, the sector is poised to contribute $314.4 billion to the national economy — a record-breaking figure that solidifies Australia’s place as a global tourism leader.
A Robust Recovery: 2025 Forecasts at a Glance
The Economic Impact Research (EIR), conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, reveals that Australia’s tourism economy is projected to:
- Contribute $314.4BN, making up 11.4% of national GDP
- Support 1.7 million jobs, or over 11.5% of total employment
- Welcome $39BN in international visitor spending, a 22% rise from 2024
- Reach $173BN in domestic visitor spending
These figures represent a nearly 30% increase above pre-pandemic levels, reflecting not only the sector’s recovery but its evolution into one of Australia’s strongest economic engines.
“A Powerhouse for Global Tourism”
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised the sector’s performance and highlighted Australia’s leadership on the global tourism stage:
“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.”
Simpson also pointed to the success of the 2024 WTTC Global Summit in Perth, hosted by Tourism Western Australia, as a symbol of the country’s growing influence in shaping the future of global tourism.
“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: A Year of Milestones
The growth projected for 2025 builds on a strong performance in 2024:
- $297BN in total economic contribution
- 1.6 million jobs supported
- $32.1BN in international visitor spending
- $123.7BN in domestic tourism
This success was driven by a surge in domestic travel and the return of long-haul international visitors, particularly from Asia and North America.
Looking Forward to 2035
WTTC’s long-term outlook paints an even brighter picture for Australia’s tourism economy. By 2035, the sector is expected to:
- Contribute over $406BN to GDP (nearly 12% of the national economy)
- Support more than 2.1 million jobs
- Attract over $52BN in international visitor spending
- Generate nearly $221BN in domestic tourism revenue
These projections reinforce Travel & Tourism as a pillar of economic resilience and opportunity for future generations.
Why Australia Continues to Shine
Australia’s tourism appeal is unmatched — from the rugged Outback and pristine Great Barrier Reef to world-class urban centers like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Visitors are drawn to the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
Continued efforts in sustainability, digital transformation, and regional development ensure that growth is both inclusive and environmentally responsible.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Travel & Tourism sector is no longer just bouncing back — it’s setting new benchmarks. With strong performance in 2024, ambitious goals for 2025, and a bold vision for 2035, the country stands at the forefront of the global tourism resurgence.
As international interest climbs and domestic travel remains strong, Australia is well-positioned to lead the next decade of global tourism growth.