According to data from Tourism Research Australia, international birdwatchers contributed an impressive $2.6 billion to the tourism industry in the year leading up to June 2024. Domestic bird lovers added about $636 million, a 53 per cent increase from the previous year.  

This trend can be largely driven by “twitchers” - birdwatchers who journey far and wide to get a glimpse of rare species. These passionate nature enthusiasts not only bring attention to Australia’s incredible birdlife, but also contribute to protecting it.  

Conservation scientist Dr Rochelle Steven from Murdoch University said that Australia, known as the "holy grail" for birdwatching, is home to a wealth of endemic bird species that attract travelers from across the globe.  

"It's easy for us to underestimate how valuable that experience is to international visitors," Dr Steven told ABC News. 

"For someone from the other side of the world, seeing a common rainbow lorikeet is a huge thrill."  

Dr Steven also noted the importance of birdwatching for both tourism and conservation, emphasising that Australia is home to the second-highest number of endemic bird species worldwide. Birdwatchers tend to spend large sums on transport, accommodation, food and tours as they travel across Australia in search of rare species. This support for local businesses helps create a positive ripple effect on small communities around the country.  

"Almost one in six Australian birds are threatened with extinction, so recognising the economic value of bird tourism could drive more investment in conservation," said Kate Millar, CEO of Birdlife Australia. 

She added that it is possible to strike a balance between conservation and responsible tourism practices to avoid over-tourism in sensitive areas.  

As the birdwatching community continues to grow and more people take an interest in these incredible creatures, resources are more likely to be made available to safeguard precious bird species.  

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