Domestic tourism boosted by latest numbers
The latest National Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia shows that Australian domestic tourism injects $187 million a day into the national economy.
The survey found that domestic overnight visitor numbers were up 3.6% with visitor nights up 4.1% and spending up 3.4% in 2012 compared to the previous year.
Trent Zimmerman, acting CEO of peak national industry body, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF), said the figures show the importance of tourism to the national economy.
"Australians spent $50 billion on overnight domestic travel and $18.2 billion on day trips in 2012," he said.
"This expenditure supports more than 500,000 direct jobs in tourism across Australia, providing business opportunities and contributing 2.5% of total GDP ($34.6bn).
"The figures also underline the value of major and business events, sport, cultural, arts and concerts, with visitors to Melbourne spending an average of $294 per night."
Zimmerman said overall domestic travel grew despite softening demand for business travel.
Holiday travel was particularly strong in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Ian Jarrett
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