The importance of Asia for the tourism industry has been illustrated in a report which reveals a sharp increase in the amount of money tourists are spending in Australia.
An increase in expenditure was reported from virtually every Asia market, with China predictably leading the way, according to Tourism Research Australia.
Chinese travellers spent a combined total of $2.7 billion for the year ending March 2011, a 22% rise from the previous year’s $2.2b.
Travel expenditure was also up among visitors from Hong Kong, whose spend in Australia increased 19% year on year, from $544 million to $650m.
Malaysians spent 21% more and Singaporeans 14% while Thais ploughed an additional 17% into the Australian economy.
Taiwan was one of the only countries to spend less, down almost 5%.
China is Australia’s fastest growing inbound tourism market and in 2010 became Australia’s highest yielding market, outspending the UK, New Zealand and the US.
Tourism Australia yesterday launched a 10-year Strategic Plan to capitalise on the expected boom in travel from China. Managing director Andrew McEvoy revealed it was preparing to launch deeper into China and expects to open 11 new offices by 2014.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Premier Wen Jiabao to strengthen tourism cooperation with China (Travel Today, April 28).