Business Name

9th June, 2010

NEW DATA SHOWS SOLID RECOVERY IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed today’s release of Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) showing a solid recovery in international travel to Australia.

In the 2010 March quarter: international visitors numbers were up six per cent year on year; visitor nights were up eight percent and at their highest level since the IVS commenced in 1999; and international tourism expenditure figures rose three per cent ($186 million)

For the twelve months to March 2010 international visitors were up three per cent; visitor nights were up five per cent; and international tourism expenditure figures rose four per cent ($661 million)

The international education market showed solid growth for both the quarter and year ending March 2010. Visitors, nights and spend all increased by at least 10 per cent for both periods.

 “The March international tourism figures are good news for tourism. The Australian Government stood by the industry during its toughest year,” Minister Ferguson said.

“We maintained our presence in international markets and brought forward $9 million in funding, which stimulated a further $11.5 million in investment to boost our marketing efforts across eight global markets.”

Of Australia’s top 10 international markets, Korea rose by 15 percent, USA and China were up seven percent, UK was up two percent and Japan rose by three percent.

“Today’s figures are particularly positive for the business travel market which rose 10 per cent,” Minster Ferguson said.

“Business visitors declined 14 per cent last year during the global financial crisis as businesses sought to tighten their belts.

“The return of this market is great news for Australia’s 10 convention centres and for the hotels, restaurants, airlines and the many other businesses which benefit from the $1.6 billion business travel market.

“The Australian Government is investing $5.5 million over four years to implement and operate the National Tourism Accreditation Framework to strengthen Australia's tourism industry.

“Assuring the quality of Australia's tourism products through accreditation is essential to providing tourists with confidence and will position Australian tourism for long-term health and success.

“The Australian Government is also investing a further $4.1 million in Australia's international tourism trade between China and Australia. The China Approved Destination Status Scheme will ensure inbound tour operators continue providing a quality service to leisure tour groups from China.”

The release of Tourism Australia ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ cinema advertisement and interactive map can capitalise on the highest level of consumer confidence for a March quarter in six years.

“Everyday Australians have rallied to the cause and demonstrated their support for this campaign by adding almost 30,000 stories and images to help promote our well-known icons to the world as well as uncovering our hidden gems.

“Businesses have backed the campaign and have indicated to me their willingness to continue their support. It is something they are happy to be associated with and that hasn’t always been the case.”

The latest results from the IVS are available at www.ret.gov.au/tra

Media contact:           Bindi Gove – 0406 644913

source: Office of Senator Jan McLucas, Cairns.