The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released figures showing that the country's tourism industry is worth some £85bn (£40bn) to its economy.
Gross value in the tourism industry increased by 7.9% in 2006-07, which was the highest growth rate since 1998-99, according to the figures.
Demand from within Australia increased by 6.8% to reach a value of $63bn, while international consumption of the country's tourism product climbed 9.8% to $22bn.
