United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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.
Related News Stories:
Ian Jarrett
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled