Peter Shelley, ATEC Managing Director, said Australian export tourism businesses were doing a great job in dynamically engaging with new opportunities, building product and positioning themselves to competitively engage in the international visitor market.
With yet another month of positive growth for the export tourism industry, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is calling for greater recognition of its success and the future opportunities the industry holds for the Australian economy.
“Today we have seen another round of growth in the international visitor numbers and we now welcome more than 600,000 people to Australia every month according to the ABS,” ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley said.
“We have also seen yet another set of numbers showing year-on-year growth of more than 11%, a figure that would be the envy of most other Australian industries.“
“Export tourism has been a constant success story for the past 10 years, recording solid growth, and is a progressive industry innovating to meet the needs of new and emerging markets.“
Mr Shelley said Australian export tourism businesses were doing a great job in dynamically engaging with new opportunities, building product and positioning themselves to competitively engage in the international visitor market.
“In this election year, we are looking to see the Federal Government and policy makers recognise the contribution tourism is now making to the Australian economy and actively remove any barriers to growth that may be the result of government policy settings.“
“These include improving our visa system to ensure we are competitively positioned to be as welcoming as possible – particularly to those markets identified as having strong future growth potential – continuing to build on our excellent marketing campaigns and looking to address some of the issues being faced by tourism businesses on the ground including the vital issue of labour shortages.“
“It is concerning to hear from our members that progressive business in some cases have chosen to place development plans on hold until they can be sure of attracting and retaining reliable labour.“
“Australia has a unique value proposition, nowhere else in the world can you see a koala, kangaroo or wombat, visit the largest rock in the world or enjoy the wonders of our Barrier Reef, along with the sophistication of wine and food on offer across the country – these are strong, unique selling points and help to make us a highly desirable destination.“
“We must also ensure international visitors are able to access and explore, move beyond our gateway cities and really experience the Australian lifestyle by providing the products and services they expect.“
“Australia is more than a once in a lifetime adventure and we must make sure we give our international visitors an experience that leaves them wanting to come back for more.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
