Australians can’t get enough of Asia
SYDNEY – Australia is in danger of becoming a net exporter of tourists in 2008 as strong growth in outbound travel outpaces inbound visitor arrivals.
The newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data indicates that while arrivals have shown some recovery in the first two months of 2008 (up 1.7%), outbound travel has increased by a staggering 14.5%.
The long-term trend indicates that Australia could become a net exporter of tourists in 2008.
“Many industry leaders have already highlighted the need for strategic co-operation across all sectors and functions if the tourism / hotel industry (in Australia) is to be sustainable,†said Karen Wales, vice president research, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.
In 2007 visitor arrivals to Australia totalled 5.6 million (+2.0%) whereas outbound tourism jumped to 5.4 million (+10.6%).
“Australians are favouring Asia – where tourism is being boosted by government support, discounted flights and massive investment in tourism infrastructure,†said Ms Wales.
She added, “This is clearly delivering results.”
Asia accounts for almost 50% of all departures from Australia, up from 40% five years ago.
“Tourism infrastructure has gone from strength to strength in many Asian countries; Singapore is developing its massive Integrated Resorts, Hong Kong has Disneyland, casinos in Macau SAR now rival Las Vegas’s and Japan’s in favour as a ski destination,†said Ms Wales.
She added, “New quality hotels are being developed throughout the region to accommodate the influx of global visitors.â€
Markets seeing the strongest growth include Japan (+40.0%), China (+22.0%), India (+15.1%) and South East Asia (+18.0%).
“We’re witnessing a reorientation of the global economy towards Asia and it’s only going to grow through 2008 as Asia is expected to remain relatively protected if a US recession eventuates,†said Ms Wales.
Ian Jarrett
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