Tourist Bucks Weigh in With Record Economy Boost

Travel and tourism is expected to contribute more to Australia’s economy in 2024 than any previous year on record. Four years after COVID-19 brought the sector to its knees with border closures and widespread restrictions on people movement, it’s poised to surpass its 2019 peak by generating $265.5 billion (US$177 billion), according to World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts. The projection represents 10 percent of the nation’s economy and follows the industry’s long-awaited bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The council, which will host its 24th international summit in Perth in October, predicts the robust growth spurt will extend over the next decade....