The economic value of international tourism to Australia increased by $2.1 billion to reach $22.6 billion in 2006/07, according to the latest Tourism Research Australia report released today.
The new report, International Visitors in Australia June Quarter 2007, showed that the total inbound economic value from international tourists increased by 10%, with strong increases in spending in 2006/07:
· China increased 23% (+$231m) to $1,230 million
· Korea increased 38% (+$270m) to $976 million
· UK increased 14% (+$254m) to $2,067 million
Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said the $2.1 billion increase in the economic value of tourism showed the first financial year of the ‘So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?’ campaign was proving its worth.
"’So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?’ has been a great success – and we have the $2.1 billion proof with international tourism earning Australia $22.6 billion last financial year," Fran Bailey said.
"The extra $2.1 billion means more jobs for Australians and more opportunities for small business. This helps keep our economy strong.
"International tourists are now spending $2,836 per visitor, that’s an extra $262 on average from the previous year, meaning we are getting more 'bang' for our 'buck'."
Business tourism is performing strongly, with convention / conference travellers increasing 12% (+17,000), reaching 166,000 visitors.
"Business tourism is big money for Australia, with big spending tourists creating plenty of jobs for Australians," Fran Bailey said.
