Expenditure by international tourists in Australia rose by almost 10 percent during the last financial year, to $13 billion.
The $1.2 billion rise in spend was revealed in a new report by Tourism Research Australia titled International Visitors In Australia (June 2006).
The report found that while there had been modest growth of one percent in the number of international tourists in the 12 months to June 2006, those visitors were spending more (up $1.2 billion), staying longer (+3 nights) and dispersing more into regional areas (+3 percent).
Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said the results showed international tourism was going from strength to strength.
“What this new report proves is that the Australian Government’s targeting of high yielding tourists is paying dividends. We are targeting tourists with loads of cash to spend in our hotels, restaurants and shops. More money being spent by tourists means more jobs for Australians,” she said.
Ms Bailey said tourism was creating 37 new jobs each day.
“Backpackers are also finding their way back down under. Armed with blackberries and bulging wallets, backpackers are big spenders and great workers in our regional areas. This surge follows the enhancement to our working holiday maker program,” she said.
