SA tourism industry on show in China

Minister for Tourism John Rau said South Australia is set to capitalise on the extraordinary growth of the Chinese tourist market with the first ever ‘South Australian Roadshow to China’. Six South Australian tourism operators are this week participating in the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) inaugural Roadshow: the Aurora Ozone Hotel; Hertz Car Rental; Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre; Majestic Hotels; SeaLink Travel Group; and Hahndorf Inn Hotel.

Each business will have the opportunity to meet Chinese travel agents and media during two showcase events in Shanghai and Guangzhou in southern China. Mr Rau says this is the largest tourism marketing event South Australia has ever held in China. “The South Australian tourism operators attending this event have had a fantastic opportunity to present their product directly to the travel agents who influence visitation to Australia,” he says.

“During the course of the two events in Guangzhou and Shanghai, South Australian tourism operators will have the chance to further develop face-to-face business relationships with more than 200 influential Chinese travel representatives. “China is a competitive market place, so events like this help South Australia stand out with Chinese travel trade representatives who recommend destinations to their clients.

“China is the number one tourism growth market both in Australia and South Australia. In the 12 months ending June 2010, South Australia welcomed 17,000 international visitors from China - a phenomenal increase of 110% compared to the previous 12 month period. “All forecasts are that the market will continue to grow in the coming decade and the State Government, via the SATC, has responded by opening a new office in Shanghai earlier this year in order to build closer relationships with the travel trade and media in Shanghai and Beijing.

“South Australia also welcomed our first direct charter flight from China in February 2010 and hosted more than 100 Chinese travel agents as part of the highly successful Australian Tourism Exchange in June this year.“By encouraging more Chinese visitors to come to South Australia we are opening up new markets for South Australia, helping the industry edge closer to the South Australian Tourism Plan 2009-2014 goal of $6.3 billion in tourism expenditure by 2014.” After the Roadshow, representatives from the SATC and the participating operators will attend the Tourism Australia Greater China Travel Mission in Chengdu in Sichuan Province to further enhance the State’s standing as a must-include destination on Australian itineraries.

Sourced=etravelblackboard