Australia Develops Chinese Tourism Market
Minister Ferguson has told a Beijing tourism function that China is already Australia’s fifth largest market in terms of visitor arrivals and fourth in terms of economic value.
Minister Ferguson said: “Annual growth of 12 per cent is forecast for the next decade and it is expected that around 1.1 million Chinese visitors will travel to Australia annually by 2017.
“I am pleased to announce that Tourism Australia will this year undertake an integrated marketing campaign to promote Australian nature and city experiences to this significant and growing market.
“Tourism Australia will use television, outdoor, print and online advertising; and public relations activities through the Visiting Journalist Program. These measures will have a direct benefit for the Australia-China tourism relationship and demonstrate our commitment to the further development of this market.”
The number of Chinese arrivals visiting Australia in 2007 rose 16 per cent on the previous year. 2007 also saw Chinese tourism to Australia contribute $2 billion; also up 16 per cent on 2006 figures.
With strong growth forecast throughout the coming decade, it is expected that visitors from China will contribute more than $6 billion to the Australian economy annually by 2017.
Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program for travel agents throughout China has been operating since 2001. The Program provides Chinese agents the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, online training forums, and familiarisations to enhance their knowledge of Australia as a destination. Full accreditation enables these agents to have a full working relationship with Tourism Australia in their marketing of Australia to Chinese travellers.
By July 2008, there were 3133 agents from 349 travel agencies in China participating in Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program. Of these, more than 1,200 agents had completed the final level to become fully accredited Aussie Specialist Program agents.
A Report By The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps