Australia hosts world-class cultural and natural attractions. From pristine beaches and rainforests, there is opportunity to experience the oldest living culture on Earth. Australia is a high value market with international visitors staying for long periods of time and spending big. The tourism sector enjoys long-term sustainable growth. The sector also creates new opportunities for international investors and businesses alike. It is supported by the Australian Government’s visitor economy strategy, THRIVE 2030.

Tourism in Australia

International investors can invest in the Australian tourism market. Australians like to holiday at home. Operators in Australia benefit from a strong domestic market of enthusiastic travelers.


Tourism spend

Australians make up around 75% of total tourism spend each year.


Overnight travel

Australians make more than 5 domestic overnight trips a year.


Billion dollar growth

Annual domestic overnight and day trip expenditure to reach A$132 billion and A$40.5 billion by 2028.

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Tourism Research Australia provides official statistics, research and economic data on domestic and international tourism. This includes the specific annual Tourism Investment Monitor publication.

Tourism investment resources

A number of tourism investment resources are available to help you invest and make informed decisions.

  • Austrade is the Australian Government lead for tourism policy. It delivers tourism programs and is responsible for the Government’s official tourism statistics.
  • Tourism Australia is the Australian Government’s tourism promotion agency. It supports tourism businesses by attracting international visitors to Australia.
  • The Come and Say G’day global campaign was launched to help support and rebuild the Australian tourism industry.
  • The New Investment Engagement Service from the Australian Taxation Office gives tailored guidance on tax issues. It is for businesses planning significant new investments in Australia.

Areas of interest

International tourism is recovering following the recent global disruption from the pandemic. Tourism Research Australia predicts international visitor expenditure will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2024 before increasing to A$50.7 billion by 2028. With our proximity to fast-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific, we’re well-positioned to recapture a significant share of global travel spend.

Our long-term national strategy for the visitor economy, THRIVE 2030, sets out our plan to return to pre-pandemic visitor expenditure of A$166 billion (achieved in 2023), then grow sustainably to A$230 billion by 2030.   

Australia’s political stability and resilient economy offers prospective businesses and investors a safe and low-risk business environment. The Australian Government is backing the further recovery of Australia’s visitor economy. It recently announced a $48 million tourism and travel package in the October 2022 Budget.

The measures include plans to: 

  • attract workers to our vibrant tourism industry 
  • train and upskill new and existing hospitality and tourism workers 
  • support tourism businesses with activities that drive international travel to and from Australia.

The Strategy supports sustainable growth. We know our natural assets, such as world-class nature and wildlife, are key to our attractiveness as a destination, and must be protected.

In pursuing industry growth, we recognise that balancing social and environmental factors alongside economic ones is essential to sustain a truly healthy visitor economy for decades to come. To support this the Australian Government and all State and Territory jurisdictions have agreed to a National Sustainable Tourism Framework, ensuring aligned definitions and goals.

Australia’s award-winning restaurants and wineries serve up fresh produce from our unspoiled landscapes, while our cafes have made coffee an art form. With a packed calendar of events that draws travellers year-round, Australia has a world-class tourism offering.

Australia offers visitors the unique ability to experience the oldest living culture on Earth – that of Australia’s First Nations peoples. First Nations tourism gives visitors a unique insight into the relationship Aboriginal people have with the land and sea – their Connection to Country – helping them create a deeper connection to Australia.

Australia’s stunning natural landscapes offer something for every traveller. We frequently appear on top 10 lists of the most world’s most beautiful countries.

Our diverse and unique ecosystems are home to a huge variety of plants and wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on earth. This precious natural heritage is protected in thousands of parks and conservation reserves that dot the country.

The World Economic Forum ranks Australia number one for natural resources, based on both our natural beauty and highly developed outdoor tourism industry.

Australia offers abundant opportunities for businesses looking to offer nature-based experiences. With such an expansive natural environment – including a continuous coastline stretching some 30,000 kilometres – innovative businesses have the chance to look beyond familiar destinations to craft travel experiences that are new and truly unique.

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