TTF – TOURISM GROWTH GOOD NEWS FOR ECONOMY

Australia welcomed a record number of overseas arrivals in 2007, confirming the sector’s importance to the economy, according to peak industry group TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum).

Statistics released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that overseas arrivals in Australia reached 5.6 million in 2007.

TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown said the boost in arrivals meant the tourism industry would deliver a corresponding boost in tax revenue, export earnings and visitor spending to the Australian economy.

“Australia welcomed more overseas arrivals in 2007 than ever before,” Mr Brown said.

“But the numbers alone do not tell the full story – we have to consider the vital economic contribution those visitors make.

“Tourism accounts for $7 billion in tax revenue and $22 billion in export earnings within the Australian economy each year.

“International visitors spent $15.2 billion in Australia in the 12 months to September 2007, an increase of 13.3 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

“Tourism is the most traded commodity in the world – it is a tough operating environment for Australia and we cannot become complacent. Global tourism arrivals increased by 6 per cent in 2007 to a record level of 900 million.

“In a weakened global economy, it is vital that Australian tourism maintains its competitiveness on the world stage, as consumers consider their discretionary spend on items such as travel. Despite the strong overall figure, arrivals in Australia in 2007 were still below their forecast level.

“Addressing that challenge means taking a long-term approach to things like labour and skills shortages, to ensure that we have enough appropriately-skilled staff.”

“It means responding positively to changing consumer perceptions of long-haul travel in the face of climate change, and maintaining Australia’s reputation as a clean, green destination.”

TTF Australia is the peak national industry group representing tourism, transport and infrastructure.

It comprises the chief executives of the 200 most prestigious investors, operators, regulators and developers across Australia.

Mr Brown said markets such as China and India would drive growth in international tourism to Australia over the next 10 years, but the tourism industry must be able to service the growth in demand.

“Arrivals from China grew by 16 per cent in 2007, consolidating its position as Australia’s fifth-largest tourism market” Mr Brown said.

“Arrivals from India grew by 13.6 per cent, ahead of official forecasts.”

“These are the exciting, burgeoning markets that will be the engine of the global tourism industry for the next decade.”

“However, if we are to maintain that rate of growth through to 2016, we have to build capacity in our aviation and accommodation industries, and bolster the workforce in our hotels, attractions and restaurants.”

“We also have to invest in compelling new tourism experiences and market them strongly, to give international travellers reasons to come back again and again.”

“The tourism industry must take a hard-headed approach to sustaining and increasing its contribution to the Australian economy – and the best way to do that is to continue to attract big spending tourists to our shores.”

A Report by The Mole