Tourexpi
Australia’s travel and tourism sector set to reach record $315BN in 2025
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
Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI): Current situation assessed more cautiously - expectation
Dr. Fried & Partner and ITB Berlin publish the results of the Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI) for the second quarter of 2025.
easyJet and easyJet holidays announce 11 new routes and package holidays
easyJet and easyJet holidays have revealed 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport for summer 2026, with thousands of package holidays now on sale today to the range of brand-new destinations.
Emirates forges interline partnership with Bahamasair
Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an interline partnership benefitting customers travelling to The Bahamas.
Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways: Codeshares now also possible on long-haul flights
Sales launch of codeshare connections for long-haul flights from July 1, 2025
History happened here: Historic Hotels and Palatial Retreats across Kempinski’s Global Portfolio
From the banks of the Bosphorus to the capitals of Europe, Kempinski Hotels features a collection of historic hotels and magnificent palaces steeped in history
IHG Hotels and Resorts acquires Ruby, its 20th brand, and targets global expansion
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has acquired from Ruby SARL the RubyTM brand and related intellectual property for initial purchase consideration of €110.5m (~$116m1). Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand for modern travellers in must-vi
Northern Lights meet City Heights: Finnair announces route to Toronto
Set to launch on 4 May 2026, the connection will bridge Finnair’s home hub, Helsinki, with Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global leader in business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture.
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers in 2026 due to rising sea levels.
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers by 2026 due to rising sea levels | Photo: Giulio Ris
Tanzania to host World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025
World Travel Awards (WTA) will host its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 in the enchanting nation of Tanzania, with travel industry leaders from across the region attending the VIP reception at Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025.
Riyadh Air partners with Air France-KLM!
Riyadh Air, a new airline from Saudi Arabia, has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air France-KLM. This means they are teaming up to work together and create special connections between their airlines. Imagine flying to amazing places ar
Tourism Ireland launches new campaign and joins Tourism Cares
Tourism Ireland launches its new campaign, Ireland Unrushed — which encourages travelers to take their time, explore more deeply, and make more meaningful connections with people and place, while reducing their environmental footprint. The new camp
Rosewood Mandarina opens on the xhores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
Marking the beginning of a new era of luxury in Mexico, the highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina welcomes guests to enjoy the captivating energy and cultural reverence of the Pacific coast. Nearly a decade in the making, this all-suite sanctuary was
Pet Travel just got upgraded
Pet travel has just been upgraded with the unveiling today of Irish Ferries’ brand-new “Pet Den” lounges. And, while dogs, cats, and even ferrets have always been welcome onboard Irish Ferries vessels, they can now travel in elevated comfort an
Emblems Collection announces first flagship with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Currently operating as a renowned country house hotel, Lucknam Park will officially join the Emblems Collection in Q4 2025. This landmark moment will see the British icon as the first Emblems property celebrating intimate luxury, unique character, el
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner adds 12th roundtrip between San Diego and Los Angeles
The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency (Agency) today announced that the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train service has added more daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego, offering travelers greater
Thailand strengthens regional Tourism Cooperation with GMS and Bhutan at TTM+ 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strengthened regional tourism cooperation by bringing together agencies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and representatives from the Kingdom of Bhutan during Thailand’s premier travel trade event, Tha
Banyan Tree invites the world to take a sacred pause
In celebration of Global Wellness Day, Banyan Tree, the flagship brand of Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) unveils #ThisRightNow, a global call to pause, breathe and reconnect with what truly matters. The initia
Turkish Airlines turns up the heat with extra summer flights
Turkish Airlines is ramping up its summer 2025 schedule with additional flights from the UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond.
TAP Air Portugal launches direct flight from Terceira to San Francisco
TAP Air Portugal has launched a direct flight from the Azores to San Francisco, connecting UK and Irish passengers travelling via Portugal to California.
Radisson Collection debuts in France with the opening of Cour des Loges, a Renaissance icon in Lyon
Situated in Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon district — an enchanting maze of cobblestone streets, medieval façades, and hidden passageways — the hotel invites guests on a sophisticated journey where history, gastronomy, and curated lifestyle e
Boeing to focus on customers, innovation and partnership at Paris Air Show 2025
“We continue to make fundamental changes across Boeing to strengthen safety, quality and our culture, and we are seeing steady improvement in our performance,” said Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg. “We look forward to connecting with our
