The Australian tourism industry will come together this week to discuss its renewed focus on the growing cashed-up middle classes in China and India.

The Australian Tourism Directions conference, to be held in Canberra from Thursday, will also analyse the progress of plans to double overnight visitor spending to $140 billion by 2020.

"Now more than ever we need to remain focused on the big picture improvements that can enhance the long-term competitiveness of the sector," federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said.

Tourism Australia boss Andrew McEvoy said it was critical Australian operators learnt about the burgeoning Chinese and Indian markets. Mr McEvoy will discuss the challenges of ensuring Australia creates a long lasting appeal to global travellers.

A new report released by Tourism Research Australia shows tourism's total contribution to the Australian economy in 2009/10 was $71.7 billion, or around 5.6 per cent of GDP.

That's an increase of around $2.1 billion on the year before. It found tourism also employs nearly 880,000 people directly and indirectly.

AAP