Budget to help wipe out ‘rogue’ operators

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10/05/2006

Budget to help wipe out ‘rogue’ operators
BYLINE

Tourism groups are applauding the government for including $3.9 million in the 2006/07 federal budget to help stamp out rogue tour operators threatening to undermine inbound growth from the Chinese market.

The funds will be spent over the next four years to ensure inbound tour operators comply with Approved Destination Status (ADS) standards, helping eradicate operators who exploit Chinese visitors through forced shopping and substandard itineraries and accommodation.

Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) managing director Matthew Hingerty said rogue operators had the potential to damage Australia's international reputation.

"The China market, while growing quickly, is still relatively immature and if Chinese visitors, who are often on their first overseas trip, go home and tell their friends and family they had a bad experience and Australia is not a good place to visit, the entire industry suffers for it," Hingerty said.

Chris Brown, managing director of Sydney-based lobby group TTF, said the investment in the China ADS scheme showed the government was "wisely pitching to the strengths of the tourism industry".

“As Australia’s fastest growing inbound market, China has an emerging middle class characterised by higher disposable incomes and an increasing propensity to travel," Brown said.

“Increased funding to assist in stamping out rogue operators will ensure that Chinese tourists have quality tourism experiences in Australia."

Brown said China had now granted 115 countries Approved Destination Status, which meant Australia was facing increasing competition.

Australia saw 43 per cent growth from the Chinese market in 2004.

By 2014, Chinese visitors are expected to inject around $5.9 billion into the Australian economy each year.

The budget also contains:

· $15.4 million for the Australian Tourism Development Program

· $7 million for local tourism projects, including the Cairns foreshore

· a major boost in funding for the national road and rail network

· $354.6 million in funding over five years to deploy community police at 11 airports.

10 May 2006

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