Australia relaxes visas to lure Indonesian tourists

Australia relaxes visas to lure Indonesian tourists

The introduction of a three-year, multiple-entry visa for Indonesian visitors to Australia is expected to significantly enhance the market’s tourism potential.

Minister for immigration and border protection Peter Dutton, minister for tourism senator Richard Colbeck and minister for trade and investment Andrew Robb confirmed the new policy on Thursday while attending Indonesia-Australia Business Week in Jakarta.

Under the new measures, the current one-year visa will be extended with all Indonesian citizens also to be apply to lodge visa applications online by 2017, simplifying the procedure both for first time and repeat visitors. Online lodgement is currently under trial through approved agents in Indonesia.

Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan was encouraged by the announcement.

“Global tourism is a fiercely competitive marketplace and our research shows that, for many travellers considering Australia as a destination, visas arrangements are an important part of the decision-making process,” he said.

“These changes make the process easier and ensure we remain competitive.”

In addition, they enable Australia to tap into Indonesia’s “discretionary” travellers who tend to book late, with Tourism Australia planning targeted campaigns and promotions.

Meanwhile, senator Colbeck highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a tourism source market for Australia which had grown over the last decade.

In 2014, there were 150,200 Indonesian visitors to Australia climbed 6% to 150,200, generating $600 million for the local economy.

“The Government will continue improving visa procedures to make it easier for international tourists to come to Australia,” Colbeck promised.

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