We can hit our top end target, insists McEvoy
Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy has insisted the industry can hit the top end of its 2020 targets if the dollar falls and the government relaxes certain visa restrictions.
He told Travel Today he was pleased with the current growth trajectory – which put tourism on course to hit the lower end of its targets – but predicted more could be achieved.
Tourism Australia has set a goal to double overnight expenditure to between $115 billion and $140 billion by the end of the decade.
Speaking to Travel Today on the sidelines of the Tourism Directions conference in Canberra yesterday, McEvoy said a currency exchange rate around the 80 cent mark would go a long way to seeing the upper target reached.
“I disagree with people who say the high dollar is a deterrent and keeps people away, but if the dollar comes down to an average of 80 to 85 cents it will mean visitors will leave more value in Australia and you can't forget that the 2020 target is a dollar value goal,” he said. “If someone comes with 2000 pounds, it will buy more Australian dollars and you’ll see the yield for Australian tourism operators go up.”
He denied he was disappointed with the current rate of growth, describing himself as “pretty pleased”.
“When we wrote the 2020 plan the trend was towards $95 billion and now the forecasters say at the very least we’ll get to $115b so in three of four years we’ve seen an $18b improvement in our performance,” he said. “The big stretch now is the next $25b to get to the top of the mark. I think we can do that.”
He continued: “When we wrote the plan we really underestimated how big China could be and we probably overestimated some markets like Japan and perhaps Korea so it’s all balancing out. And the US has really bounced back.
“I think they’ll be exponential growth out of markets like Indonesia and India and we’re seeing some new and emerging stuff that we didn’t consider so much like the Philippines and Vietnam. South America is also really coming along.
“So it’s swings and roundabouts. I think we’re going to do better than $115b reasonably easily and I really believe we can get to $140b."
McEvoy added that Australia needs to become the world’s best at issuing visas while the government should seek more bilateral agreemeents over working holiday visas.
Allowing visitors with a second year working holiday visa to work in tourism and hospitality should also be a priority.
“We also need to be true to the aviation white paper which says capacity needs to lead demand,” McEvoy said. “We are capped out in a bunch of markets.”
More bilateral aviation agreements need to be struck although he acknowledged it was a “two way street” with the authorities of other countries needing to come to the party.
McEvoy also called for a reform of industrial relations laws which he said makes the industry “marginally unprofitable”.
“Our industry is a seven day a week industry but it’s not treated like that. We have all sorts of clauses and penalties,” he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
andrew mcevoy tourism tourism australia tourism directionsLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!