Aussies can’t wait to pack their bags
SYDNEY – More Australians than ever before are heading overseas for holidays, illustrating the need for the Australian tourism industry to step up its focus on attracting foreign tourists, a peak tourism industry body has said.
Australian Tourism Export Council managing director, Matthew Hingerty, was commenting on the release of Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey, which reported that Australians took 4.4 million international trips last year, 2.3% more than in 2005.
By comparison, just over five million international visitors came to Australia in 2006.
“The gap between the number of overseas travellers coming to Australia and the number of Australians heading overseas is continuing to close, which means our tourism industry is increasingly looking towards international markets as the area with the most growth potential for their businesses,” Hingerty said.
“The strong Australian dollar, booming economy, cheap international flights and a lack of interest by many young Australians in seeing their own country means more Aussies than ever before are reaching for their passports when they book a holiday.
“While it is difficult to address many of these cultural and economic factors amongst Australians, we can do more to target international visitors.”
Most recent international visitor figures (for March 2007) revealed a modest three percent increase in numbers.
Hingerty said both government and industry needed to focus on developing the product, experiences and service levels that overseas tourists were seeking.
“Australia is a unique destination and research shows that the attributes overseas tourists find most attractive about our country are our people, our natural attractions and our indigenous culture.
“We need to work at developing fresh products and experiences, particularly in regional Australia, that will meet these visitors’ needs.”
Ian Jarrett
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