Number of Australians heading overseas soars
SYDNEY – The gap between the number of Australians travelling overseas and international visitors arriving in Australia continues to widen, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) analysis of the latest Overseas Arrivals and Departures data shows.
Some 520,400 Australians travelled overseas in November against 485,000 tourists arriving in Australia, a difference of 35,400 for the month.
By contrast, international arrivals in November 2008 exceeded departures by 39,800, meaning there has been a reversal of 75,200 for the month in just one year.
For November 2009, international departures rose 20 per cent with arrivals up 2.5 per cent, compared to November 2008.
TTF executive director Brett Gale said the difference is a concern.
“November 2008 saw only marginal growth as the world struggled with the impact of the global financial crisis,†Gale said, “so it would have been a shock not to see a strong rebound in November 2009, but a jump of 20 per cent in departures is remarkable.
“The surge in Australians travelling overseas is testament to the strength of the Australian economy, which is also driving the strong Australian dollar, making outbound international travel much more affordable.
“Australians are also taking advantage of increases in airline capacity, while international destinations continue to target Australians.
“What this means for the Australia is that we are increasingly a net importer of tourism, with more people leaving than international visitors coming here while fewer Australians are travelling domestically.
“The growth of 2.5 per cent in international arrivals also shows that Australia is still a desirable destination and that focusing on source markets which are responding to low airfares and good deals has a positive impact,†Gale said.
Ian Jarrett
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