A new report card shows there is more to be done to secure tourism as an economic development strategy for Australia, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
Tourism Research Australia’s 2013 State of the Industryreport assesses tourism’s contribution to the national economy.
It shows tourism expenditure, exports and employment all rising.
However, Australia is only on track to meet the low end of its 2020 tourism growth target, said TTF.
Chief executive Ken Morrison said State of the Industry is "a wakeup call" for the new federal government, highlighting that policy changes need to be made "to grow the visitor economy".
The report shows that spending by international visitors – tourism exports – grew by 5.9% in 2012-13, but Australia is still tracking in the lower range of the Tourism 2020 target of doubling overnight expenditure.
"Without changes to tourism policy settings, Australia could miss out on an extra $25 billion of annual income," said Morrison.
"Australia can be more aggressive in its pursuit of the growing Asian travelling class; our competitors certainly are.
"To do this we need to streamline visas and borders, boost marketing funding, open up the Working Holiday Maker scheme to Asia, and boost aviation access and capacity," Morrison added.
Meanwhile, Tourism Australia has revealed it will invest A$200m this year marketing Australia to the world – through expanding partnerships with the states and territories, industry and international airlines.
Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said the record investment came off the back of strong international and domestic tourism growth, increased aviation capacity and renewed investment in Australia’s tourism infrastructure.
"Despite ever increasing global competition and the high dollar we’ve enjoyed a record 6.3 million international arrivals in 2013 and a sustained bounce back in domestic travel," McEvoy said.
