Overseas arrivals and departures data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released today reveal a clearer picture of the tourism opportunities from the growth in Asian markets and business travel.
Despite the weaknesses in the economies of some of Australia’s traditional markets and the impact of natural disasters, visitor arrivals to Australia in the year to December 2011 were relatively stable compared to 2010, down only 0.2 per cent.
International arrivals increased in 11 of Australia’s top 20 markets in 2011. Arrivals from China remained buoyant increasing 19.4 per cent in 2011 to 542,000 arrivals, making it Australia’s third largest inbound market behind New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Increases were also seen from Singapore and Malaysia, up 3.4 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively.
Arrivals for business travel increased 6.0 per cent in 2011 while other sectors such as holiday travel decreased by 4.1 per cent.
In the month of December, short term visitor arrivals decreased 0.5 per cent from December 2010. A 12.2 per cent decrease in arrivals from the United Kingdom contributed to this decline, on the back of a large increase in December 2010 when tourists came to Australia for the Ashes tour.
The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said that the figures highlight opportunities for the tourism industry in 2012 and beyond.
“While the high Australian dollar and affordable airfares are continuing to make overseas travel feasible for more Australians, Australia is consistently attracting a record number of international visitors,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The data shows the growth potential in major Asian markets, and in business travel replacing declines in visitor arrivals from traditional markets.
“That is why the Australian Government and Tourism Australia will invest over $30 million in marketing to China over the next 3 years including $13.32 million this year alone.
“Through the Tourism 2020 Strategy, we are also supporting the $35 billion tourism industry by increasing airline capacity, investing tens of millions of dollars in T-QUAL Grants projects and delivering regional tourism employment projects to narrow skills gaps.”
The upward trend in the number of Australian’s travelling overseas is also continuing with departures up 7.1 per cent in December 2011 compared to December 2010.
The Overseas Arrivals and Departures data are at www.abs.gov.au.