The Tourism Industry Association says the sector should not take anything for granted despite increased spending by tourists.
New figures show spending by international and domestic tourists increased to $22.4 billion for the year to March.
Tourism Industry Association policy and research manager Simon Wallace says the statistics are good news for the industry which has been trading under the strains of the global recession.
Mr Wallace says the tourism industry has proved its value through tough economic times, earning more foreign exchange than any other export sector in the year to March.
The Tourism Satellite Account shows that tourism is now adding $61 million every day to the economy, with international visitors spending over $26 million each day.
The challenge is to grow other key and emerging markets in Asia, North America and Europe, Mr Wallace says.
