Australia’s tourism industry performed well in 2012, as the country welcomed 6.1 million international arrivals – up 4.6% year-on-year.
The result was driven by emerging Asian markets, notably China, which saw a 16% jump in visitors to 625,000, overtaking the UK to become the country’s second largest source market behind New Zealand.
Numbers from the UK were not specified but are thought to be lower after Tourism Australia’s managing director Andrew McEvoy described a “dampened performance” from the UK and Europe.
However, he is optimistic this will change in the coming years.
“Difficult economies have dampened performance out of the UK and Western Europe, but as their economies recover I think you’ll start to see the Europeans return in better numbers. And we have two great kickers this year, with the British and Irish Lions tour starting in June and an Ashes tour on the horizon,” he explained.