Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

There were 1,500 articles in the United States media, and on social media the instant response was overwhelming—about 330,000 likes, re-posts and retweets. Promoting Australia as a destination for tourists around the world is a core part of our international engagement, a core part of the work of our diplomats and our posts overseas. It is also fundamental to our foreign and, in particular, trade policy. The tourism industry in Australia—

Opposition members interjecting—

Members opposite should listen to this because it is important. The tourism industry in Australia is worth three per cent of our GDP. It contributes $43 billion annually to the Australian economy and directly employs 500,000 Australians. The United States tourism market is one of our most valuable.

Mr Danby interjecting—

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