Tourism To Australia Growing 'Bloody' Strongly

Tourism To Australia Growing Strongly

The number of international tourists to Australia grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2007 to reach 2.7 million, with strong increases in Chinese and Korean tourism, according to figures released today by the tralian Bureau of Statistics.

This growth is a positive result of the Howard Government's record investment in tourism, an innovative tourism industry and a successful So Where the Bloody Hell Are You? tourism campaign.

Key results over the past six months include:

* 180,000 tourists from China, up 20 per cent;
* 133,000 tourists from Korea, up 8 per cent;
* 326,000 tourists from South-East Asia, up 11 per cent.

Tourism Minister Fran Bailey described the latest results as "impressive", especially given the strong Aussie dollar.

"Australia is a 'must-visit' destination. Tourists are finding their way down under in record numbers, keen to discover our fabulous beaches, our great Outback and our relaxed way of life," Fran Bailey said.

"So Where the Bloody Hell Are You? has been answered with a resounding 'in Australia' by thousands of international tourists, led by pioneering Chinese backpackers.

"And every tourist we attract to Australia, means more jobs for Australians and more opportunities for vibrant small businesses."

An 80 per cent currency appreciation of the Aussie dollar to the Yen since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 has led to falls in the Japanese market in recent years, with a further 12.8 per cent fall in the first six months of the year.

"This is the reason we have to be innovative to make Australia a hot destination for Japanese tourists again," Fran Bailey said.

ENDS

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