Asia to drive tourism boom
THE tourism industry has its sights firmly fixed on Asia to deliver growth, as local travellers take advantage of the strong currency and holiday abroad.
The latest predictions from the Tourism Forecasting Committee show international arrivals to Australia are expected to grow by 5.3 per cent in 2010 and 5.6 per cent in 2011, fuelled largely by an increase in Asian visitors.
“The Australian economy has become increasingly linked to the economies of Asia with tourism also reflecting the trends in other major export sectors,” Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson AM MP said.
“Tourism Australia is investing $150 million over the next three years on its global leisure campaign There’s Nothing Like Australia, which includes part of the $30 million announced in June to sustain the record growth in the China market,” he said.
Tourism contributes 2.6 per cent or $33 billion to Australia’s GDP.
But the strong Australian dollar is hurting local operators. The number of Australians undertaking overseas travel is expected to be up by 15 per cent this year.
Next month US talk-show queen Oprah will film on our shores, with the visit expected to spark fresh international interest in Australia.
For more: Tourism Australia
