Chinese visitor spending in Australia has surpassed A$10 billion for the first time.
Breaking another annual record, 1.33 million visitors from China spent A$10.3 billion during the 12 months to September.
The number of Chinese travellers is now just shy of the 1.35 million Kiwis who visit each year, which is Australia’s biggest tourism market.
The data was released by the International Visitor Survey and trade minister Steve Ciobo wants to see continued growth.
"We want to see full planes flying from Shanghai to Sydney, Beijing to Brisbane and Guangzhou to Cairns. The more tourists we can get to Australia, the more business for our hotels, shops and restaurants which will create new local jobs," Ciobo said.
Overall international visitation rose 7% to more than eight million.
While all markets in the country saw an increase in spend, Tourism Research Australia said the Top End has seen unprecedented growth.
The number of Chinese tourists to Northern Territory jumped 60% while spending was up a huge 87% to A$23 million.
"We have seen a significant increase in visitors from China in recent years but we are working hard to build those numbers and direct flights are key," said NT tourism minister Lauren Moss who is in China on a trade mission to lure more airlines to launch services to Darwin.
"We know Chinese visitors spend more on average than other visitors – it is an important and lucrative market."
