Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s tourism sector was performing at record highs. There is a positive outlook for sector growth, with tourism spend forecasted to increase by 31 per cent over the next five years to 2028. This will put the sector at 61 per cent above the pre-pandemic level. To achieve this, however, the sector will need to seize the opportunities outlined in this report and also tackle some significant challenges.

This report focuses on the tourism sector and reflects the lived experience of stakeholders during and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The report:

1. details the background of the tourism sector and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector and the conduct of the inquiry
2. describes the complex tourism sector ‘ecosystem’, explaining the supply and demand sides and how they need to work together for the sector to be successful and to grow
3. explores the opportunities and challenges for First Nations tourism, particularly meeting the increasing demand for First Nations tourism products and supporting authenticity and self-determination.
4. sets out the issues facing regional and peri-urban tourism in Australia, particularly around workforce, infrastructure and marketing and promotion. It also looks at other tourism opportunities including eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, business and events tourism and accessible tourism and increasing international market diversification
5. considers broader enabling factors affecting the tourism sector, such as roles and governance, workforce capacity and capability, access and transport (including aviation and cruise access), visas, climate and natural disasters and insurance.
6.  includes information on the international education sector received since the Interim Report was published in October 2023, with a focus on issues related to international education in regional Australia.

Key recommendations

• The Australian Government establishes a national First Nations tourism body to represent the interests of First Nations businesses and communities. 
• The membership of Tourism Australia’s board should include at least one or more First Nations people. 
• Relevant Australian Government agencies work with the tourism industry and First Nations representatives to develop partnerships and implement a robust accreditation scheme.  
• Tourism training providers make training more accessible for regional tourism operators, particularly through culturally 
  appropriate partnership with First Nations businesses.
• The Australian Government supports the sustainability of the tourism sector in regional communities, and the development of both accommodation and attractions in regional areas.
• The Australian Government considers the expansion of first-point-of-entry status for ports.
• The Australian Government engage with the government of New Zealand and the governments of other neighbouring 
  countries to develop and implement innovative initiatives and opportunities.
• The Australian Government works with State and Regional Tourism Organisations to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in the tourism sector.
• The Australian Government promotes the accessibility and affordability of appropriate housing in regional areas.