New Data Shows Solid Recovery in International Tourism

Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson 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 6% year on year; visitor nights were up 8% and at their highest level since the IVS commenced in 1999; and international tourism expenditure figures rose 3% ($186 million)
For the twelve months to March 2010 international visitors were up 3%; visitor nights were up 5%; and international tourism expenditure figures rose 4% ($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% for both periods.
Commenting on the figures, Minister Ferguson stated âthe Australian Government stood by the industry during its toughest year (maintaining) 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.
âOf Australiaâs top 10 international markets, Korea rose by 15%, USA and China were up 7%, UK was up t2% and Japan rose by 3%.
â(These) figures are particularly positive for the business travel market which rose 10% (having) declined 14% last year during the global financial crisis as businesses sought to tighten their belts.
âThe return of this market is great news for Australiaâs 10 convention centres and for the hotels, restaurants, airlines and the many other businesses which benefit from the $1.6 billion business travel market.
âThe 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.
âAssuring 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.
âThe 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 Australian Government continues to invest in international marketing and promotion to further stimulate growth in international tourism.
The release of Tourism Australia âThereâs Nothing Like Australiaâ cinema advertisement and interactive map can capitalise on the highest level of consumer confidence for a March quarter in six years.
Minister Ferguson added âTourism Australia has got it right. We now have a campaign which is capable of standing the test of time.
âEveryday 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.
âBusinesses 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 hasnât always been the case.�?

http://www.ret.gov.au/tra