Tourism groups back China trade deal

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is leading tourism industry praise for the new trade deal between Australia and China.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said the new China/Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) would strengthen tourism relations with China and had the potential to further boost Australia’s success in attracting Chinese visitors.

Shelley stated “agreements like ChAFTA build stronger links with China from a range of perspectives and this ultimately will encourage more Chinese to visit.

“Specific elements of the agreement, such as the Investment Facilitation Arrangements, will hopefully bring greater investment in tourism infrastructure and stimulate stronger market links with Chinese visitors.

“Education-related personal travel is Australia’s largest services export, worth more than $14 billion each year, so elements of ChAFTA which help to encourage better education links have the potential add to this success.”

Shelley said the Chinese Work and Holiday Makers agreement, also announced with ChAFTA, would ensure Australia can build long term connections with Chinese visitors.

He added "we know people who visit Australia as young backpackers or students are more likely to have a long term connection to the country and return at various stages throughout their life.

“Engaging young Chinese visitors, through working holidays and education opportunities, is a strong way for Australia to build a long-term connection with Chinese visitors and encourage them to return again and again.

“ATEC would also urge the Government to look for ways to build a visa system that improves access from the Chinese visitor market and removes some of the current barriers.

“The United States has led the charge in bringing down the barriers to enabling Chinese visitors and last week announced 10-year tourist and business visas and five years student and exchange visas.

“Australia needs to keep up with our major competitors and China is a lucrative market so it is vital we work to create a visa system that reduces some of the barriers and encourages more Chinese visitors.

“We hope some of these important visa issues will be the next step in expanding our relationships with China.”

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