Liberals emphasise how pro-growth policies have backed tourism growth: Election focus

Leading up to the Federal election, the Liberal party has emphasised how the tourism industry has thrived under the current, Malcolm Turnbull-led, Government with visitor numbers and spending continuing their strong growth trajectory.

Identified as one of five key growth sectors driving the Australian economy, tourism directly contributes $47.5 billion to Australia’s GDP (accounting for 3% of GDP) and supports around one million Australian jobs.

According to Tourism Research Australia’s newly released International Visitor Survey overseas visitors spent a record $37.9 billion in the year ending 31st March 2016, an enormous 17% increase on the previous year.

Overall visitor numbers increased 9% to 7.1 million and nights were up 8% to 248 million, with Australia’s top five markets for visitors (New Zealand, China, UK, USA and Japan) all seeing growth in visitors and spend for the year, accounting for just over half (54%) of total trip spend.

China alone accounted for almost one quarter of total trip spend (23%) demonstrating the importance of this key market.

On the back of record growth from China in 2015 with Chinese visitors surpassing a landmark one million for the first time, 2016 is already off to a strong start. Visitors from China increased 23% while expenditure increased 38% to reach $8.9 billion.

The opportunity that our growing international tourism market presents for Australia is enormous.  A recent research paper by L.E.K. Consulting found that Chinese visitors to Australia are more likely to buy Australian products and services after they return home, with their average annual spend rising by 40% after their trip. It is clear that tourism’s broader flow-on effects illustrate the importance of this industry.

Tourism operators continue to benefit from the Federal Government’s pro-growth policies, such as streamlining visa applications, targeted marketing, increasing aviation capacity and making tourism infrastructure a national investment priority.

In addition, approximately 95% of Australia’s tourism industry is made up of small businesses, directly benefiting from the Turnbull-led Government’s plan for a strong new economy, creating more jobs, boosting growth and productivity.

A Liberal party press release explained that the Government’s “policies have overseen the highest growth in tourism since the Sydney Olympics and we remain on track to reach the Tourism 2020 target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to between $115 and $140 billion annually.

“Australians can trust the Turnbull Government will ensure the key growth sectors of our economy, such as tourism, are supported as we transition from the mining construction boom to a more diversified and stronger economy.”

On the election campaign trail, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that that, if re-elected, the Federal Government will provide $625,000 to support the Bachar Houli Cup and Leadership Program.

The program combines culture and sport by engaging Richmond player and AFL Multicultural Ambassador, Bachar Houli, as a role model and mentor for young people.

Participants undertake skill development sessions in communication, decision making, resilience, identity and community values. They are also encouraged to engage in the local community and promote cultural and social inclusion.

The program has engaged more than 30 Islamic schools and organisations, with more than 10,000 players taking part.

Visiting Richmond's Punt Road Oval to make the funding pledge, Prime Minister Turnbull stated “this great mentoring program demonstrates the power of sport to develop teamwork and leadership skills.

“The inspiring example of Bachar Houli shows how hopes, skills and character can be honed on the sporting field and extended to other leadership roles in life.”

Prime Minister Turnbull has also announced that he would commit a further $60 million into the Sporting Schools program, in a bid to combat falling participation rates during the transition from primary to high school.

Images:Richmond AFL star Bachar Houli meets with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as Tigers President Peggy O’Neal looks one (top) and visitors to Australia from China increased 23% last year (below - image courtesy of BIG4 Holiday Parks).

12th February 2016 - GOVERNMENT FUNDS TO BACK TOURISM TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN QUEENSLAND

4th May 2016 - LEISURE WINNERS AND LOSERS IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET

3rd May 2016 - TOURISM GROWTH EXCEEDS OVERALL EXPANSION OF THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY

23rd March 2016 - RICHMOND TIGERS DIVERSIFY WITH CONTRACT TO MANAGE CARDINIA SHIRE AQUATIC AND RECREATION FACILITIES

12th March 2016 - TTF REVEALS PLAN FOR TOURISM TO ‘TURBOCHARGE’ THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY

25th May 2015 - GRANTS NOW OPEN FOR SPORTING SCHOOLS