Regional Economies and the place of tourism

Tourism is one of Australia's major industries accounting for more than 2.5% of Australia's gross domestic product in 2010 (Tourism Research Australia, 2011). In the same year tourism directly employed 4.5% of Australia's workforce with a significant proportion more relying indirectly on tourism for their employment. While capital cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, tend to dominate the limelight, regional tourist destinations account for 46% of all tourism expenditure. Here in the regions, tourism can be crucial to local communities accounting for significant employment and economic activity.