Tourism growth from across the world

Double digit increases from 10 of Australia's top source markets saw international tourism arrivals rise by 6.9% in November, according to peak industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures from the ABS show international arrivals are up 6.9% compared to November 2011, with arrivals for the year ending November up 3.7% on the previous year.
TTF Chief Executive John Lee said Asia continues to lead the charge, stating "Australia is proving itself to be an attractive destination for people from across Asia, with double digit increases in arrivals from eight Asian countries in November.
"Additional airline capacity has helped drive the growth, backed by strong marketing campaigns in growth markets, with a 34.9% rise in arrivals from Malaysia (7,300) in November, 27.1% growth from Thailand (1,300) and 14.4% from China (7,200), taking annual growth in Chinese tourists to 15.7%.
"Indications are that this growth will continue, with The Australian Open, which has started today in Melbourne, attracting growing numbers of visitors from China, where tennis is becoming increasingly popular."
Lee said November saw strong rises from traditional markets too.
"US arrivals jumped 8.6% and the number of Japanese tourists rose 10.0%," Mr Lee said, "while we are seeing a recovery from Europe too, with French arrivals up 16.3% and German arrivals up 10.1%, along with a 9.4% rise in Italian tourist numbers."
"This shows that despite challenging economic conditions in Europe and the strong Australian dollar, Australia remains a desirable destination for travellers from around the world.
"However, the impact of excessive aviation taxes is clear, with a decline in the number of British tourists coming to Australia and a fall in the number of Australian visitors to the UK for the year ending November the only major country where that is the case.
"With a family of four paying at least $784 in aviation taxes for the privilege of travelling between the two countries cutting the competitiveness of both destinations, it should be no surprise that numbers are down."