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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a remarkable year ahead for jobs, visitor expenditure, and the country's wider economy. Australia’s travel and tourism industry is on course for another historic year in 2025, contributing an estimated AUD 314.4 billion (£250 billion) to the national economy, according to the latest WTTC figures.
The new Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows the sector is projected to grow nearly a third beyond pre-pandemic levels, accounting for approximately 11.4 per cent of Australia’s GDP.
This robust growth highlights the ongoing recovery and resilience of Australia’s tourism sector, driven by strong international demand and a flourishing domestic travel market.
In 2025, travel and tourism are expected to support approximately 1.7 million jobs, over 11.5 per cent of total employment, an increase of 100,000 jobs from the previous year.
Visitor expenditure continues its upward trajectory, with international visitors set to spend nearly AUD 39 billion (£20 billion), breaking new records. Domestic travellers are predicted to spend close to AUD 173 billion (£92 billion).
These figures reaffirm Australia’s status as a premier global destination, renowned for its spectacular landscapes, rich 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,” Simpson added.
Reflection on 2024
In 2024, Australia’s travel sector contributed AUD 297 billion (£157 billion) to the economy and supported approximately 1.6 million jobs. Visitor expenditure reached AUD 32.1 billion (£17 billion) from international visitors and AUD 123.7 billion (£66 billion) domestically, forming much of the sector’s recovery.
Looking Ahead to 2035
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Australia’s travel and tourism industry will generate over AUD 406 billion (£215 billion), representing nearly 12 per cent of the nation’s GDP, and support more than 2.1 million jobs.
Visitor spending is expected to continue rising steadily, with international visitors forecast to spend over AUD 52 billion (£28 billion), while domestic expenditure could hit nearly AUD 221 billion (£118 billion).
