Australia Tourism Statistics – Top 10 Incoming Countries 2013-2017

From the mythical formation of the great Blue Mountains to the heart of the largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has it all.  Each year the diversified landscape untouched with modernity rakes in millions of tourists and empowering about 800,770 people with jobs, hence contributing to almost 12-15% of Australia’s total exports earning. 

                                       (Data showing top 10 countries majorly contributing, source: Tourism Research Australia)

Inbound Tourism

Throughout the year 2010- 2017 the tourism industry has seen a substantial growth for the inbound tourists. China’s arrival’s has grown exponentially in the past years, hence largely contributing to the growth of the tourism sector in Australia. Within a time period of 4 years the number of Chinese people visiting Australia has almost doubled. New Zealand continuously supporting their travels to Australia in a major manner with a steady growth, contributing 16.39% of the total visitors in 2017 followed by the USA and the UK with a combined contribution of 47.96% to the total number of tourists visiting Australia.

The trend for visiting purposes mostly has been for recreational purposes, people coming there to unwind themselves by taking a dip in the bondi beaches, a stroll down the Alice Springs and the spectacular breath taking views atop the Uluru. The marine life at the Great Barrier Reef is another major attraction raking in most of the revenues through scuba diving and the chain of restaurants in the ultra modern surrounding of Brisbane by world-class chefs, although requires quite some budget, nonetheless with amazing tastes. And the way Tjapukai Aboriginal cultural park immerses you in Australia’s Aboriginal’s rich ancient culture with authentic music, story telling and primitive dances makes you feel like one of their own.

Apart from holiday activities, people coming over to visit their friends and families living there is another major source of incoming tourists. Australia provides ample of job opportunities whilst working hence most student’s call in their loved ones once vacation starts to explore the vast wilderlands of Australia.

(Statistics provided by Tourism Research Australia, comparison between total visits of 2016 and 2017)

Domestic Tourism

Although the Inbound Tourism has been quite the hype the past years, domestic tourism board yet continues to struggle to convince the travellers to explore their own home. Tourism research Australia released its latest report showing the rise in international spending by 7% i.e. to $30.1 billion in the last fiscal year. Overseas holiday travel had increased by 8.2 % to 5.4milllion travellers since the drop in the international flight tickets. Despite the marketing campaign of  $15million tourist number fell in the Gold Coast. There has been a slight but not notable increase from the year 2016 to 2017.

The most frequently visited and entertained sites for the year 2017 were:

• The Blue Mountains
• Alice Springs
• The Great Barrier Reef
• Daintree National Park
• Cairns
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Sydney Harbor
• Bondi Beach
• Brisbane

Furthermore, in order to encourage domestic tourism as well as to uplift the experiences of inbound tourism, Ministry of Tourism from the Australian and State and Territory Governments have identified four policy priorities under Tourism 2020:

• Encourage high-quality tourism experiences with skilled human resources in the respective field, including Indigenous tourism
• Minimize the tax, red tape and other regulatory burden industry faces
• Undertake coordinated and effective marketing campaigns to drive demand
• Work alongside the industry to support the development of tourism infrastructure by providing ideas, subsidies and other necessities to uplift the tourism sector even more.

TourismProf.Club Author Team