SYDNEY – New figures released today show that international tourists delivered a AU$23.3 billion (US$21.7 billion) boost to the Australian economy in 2007, a six percent increase on 2006.
Tourism Australia (TA) managing director, Geoff Buckley said the figures, from the latest International Visitors in Australia survey, confirmed that Australia’s strategy to encourage travellers to spend more during their stay was on track.
The markets delivering some of the largest increases in visitor spend in 2007 included India (+43 percent), Malaysia (+28 percent), China (+25 percent) and New Zealand (+13 percent).
The UK remained Australia’s largest single market in terms of economic value worth AU$3.5 billion, followed by New Zealand (AU$2.3 billion), the US (AU$2.1 billion) and China (AU$2 billion) for the 2007 calendar year.
Buckley said in spite of the strong results for international tourism in 2007 the industry would need to continue to work hard for Australia’s share of the tourist dollar in 2008.
“We know that the industry faces some challenges from increased competition, aviation constraints and economic factors. However, Australia has a great tourism product which travellers world-wide are keen to experience,” he said.
“Over the coming year our activities in 23 international markets will be looking to ensure that Australia continues to attract high spending international travellers – helping to ensure that Australia continues to reap the benefits from tourism,” he added.