ABSTRACT
Gross domestic product growth is generally attributed to economic activity in three different sectors: the primary sector comprising mining and agriculture; the secondary sector comprising manufacturing and industry; and the service sector. Tourism and hospitality industries are usually subsumed under the service sector, which has been making significant contributions to world economic growth. International tourism receipts are defined to cover all tourism receipts made by visitors from abroad on food, drinks and lodging, on transport and entertainment, and on shopping and on international fares. International tourism can be used by governments as an instrument of policy to bring about regional development. Australia has also played a key role in developing ecotourism by encouraging indigenous communities to participate fully within the tourism industry. Tourism is associated with some social costs, which are sometimes more damaging to the cultural ethos of a relatively poor local community, than the direct and indirect financial costs.
