Australia tourism up, but spending declines
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09 Jun 10 (TravMedia.com): The impact of the global financial crisis and the strong Australian dollar are apparent in the spending habits of international visitors to Australia, according to analysis of the latest International Visitor Surveyi by the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
The International Visitor Survey for Quarter 1 2010 shows that visitor numbers were up 6.0 per cent compared to the same period in 2009, with nights up 7.6 per cent. However, average daily spending per person fell by 3.9 per cent.
TTF Executive Director Brett Gale said the survey results reflect the prevailing economic climate.
“While Australia’s economy was going strongly in the first quarter of 2010, the same can’t be said for the rest of the world,” Mr Gale said.
“That pushed up the Australian dollar, which made Australian exports more expensive which, in tourism terms, reduced the buying power of international visitors.
“The number of holiday arrivals and visitor nights were steady, but their spending was down 10.1 per cent compared to last year1.
“Business travel, which took a severe hit in Quarter 1 2009, has recovered somewhat, with visitors up 9.7 per cent and nights up 9.2 per cent, but travel budgets are still restricted, with spending up only 5.2 per cent, again showing a fall in daily per capita expenditure.
“Business and holiday visitors are among the highest spending categories, so falls in spending rates have an impact on yield for tourism businesses.
“So while it’s good news that we are seeing a recovery in arrivals, we must remember that we are coming off a low base following falls from 2008 to 2009, and that the ongoing economic turmoil is affecting the spending habits of international travellers.
“It’s also important to remember that Quarter 1 is a critical quarter for international tourism, accounting for almost a third of visitor nights and expenditure.
“We look forward to the ongoing roll out of the new Tourism Australia campaign and the impact it may have on the travel intentions of prospective international visitors.”
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