Australian tourism adds 58,000 jobs since June 2020

Tourism filled jobs increased 5.1% in December quarter 2020, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Commenting on the findings, Jonathon Khoo, ABS Head of Tourism Statistics, stated “we have seen 58,000 tourism jobs added in Australia since the low in June 2020.

“Recovery in tourism jobs has not been equal across industries. Industries like road transport and retail trade have grown, while others like air transport, cultural services and accommodation have been slower to regain jobs lost during the March and June quarters of last year.”

Part-time jobs saw stronger growth during the quarter (up 5.9%), leading to the second consecutive quarter where total part-time jobs exceed total full-time jobs.

Khoo added “the recovery in tourism lags that in the total economy even when you take into account the usual seasonal increases that occur in the December quarter.

“Tourism has recovered four out of 10 filled jobs lost during the 2020 pandemic while the total economy has regained seven out of 10 filled jobs over the same period according to the latest ABS Labour Account release.”

The ABS defines ‘cultural services’ as including jobs in the arts, fitness, recreation and sport.

Table: Movement in jobs for selected industries, December 2019 and 2020.