Tourism leaders back a thriving visitor economy

Today at a meeting of the nation's tourism leaders I re-affirmed the Albanese Government's commitment to THRIVE 2030 – Australia's national strategy for the long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy.

THRIVE 2030 provides a blueprint for the visitor economy recovery and growth and sets a target to grow visitor expenditure to $230 billion by 2030.

I have worked with my state and territory colleagues and industry partners to update THRIVE 2030. It also reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to build tourism workforce and business capability, refresh infrastructure and support transition to a green economy.

This was the second formal meeting with state and territory tourism ministers I have convened to discuss priorities for Australia's visitor economy.

The meeting acknowledged the pleasing rebound in domestic tourism and welcomed the recent re-opening of China's border.

Domestic visitor spend per trip in December 2022 was 39 percent higher than in December 2019.

International visitor arrivals are steady, particularly among those travelling for business or to visit friends and relatives.

We are working with the industry to grow our tourism workforce and it's great to see that 23 per cent of all new Aussie jobs in the last quarter were tourism jobs.

The strong return of international students is also an encouraging sign of recovery.

Tourism Australia is working very hard at showcasing our tourism offering in key markets around the world, inviting travellers to “Come and Say G'day.”

I'm confident we'll continue to see a positive impact from that campaign in the months ahead.

A lot of work is also being done behind the scenes on our key priorities for recovery.

That work will continue, as will this important regular meeting with the nation's tourism leaders.

I thank everyone who attended today's meeting for their strong commitment to Australia's visitor economy recovery.