Inextricably linked

Airports and Australia’s international tourism industry

The Productivity Commission is currently developing a research paper on Australia’s international tourism industry. The commission has sought input from industry for the paper, which is examining trends, drivers and barriers to growth in the Australian international tourism industry. It is expected that the commission will publish the report in early 2015.

The AAA recently lodged a submission into the research paper, where we acknowledge that the international tourism sector is of immense importance to the Australian economy, contributing $11. 4 billion in 2013-14 directly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in addition to the $31 billion directly generated by domestic tourism. Australia’s airports provide a pivotal role in facilitating international tourism, with over 6. 1 million international arrivals in 2013-14 resulting in $30. 1 billion in expenditure.