Politicians must deliver on promises, tourism jobs at risk

Tourism bodies have warned long term investment in Australia's tourism industry is crucial to half a million jobs and claim recent statistics are indicative of a once strong industry, floundering.

The June Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the gap between Australians travelling overseas and international visitors coming into Australia grew beyond one million for the first time in a 12 month period.

"These figures underscore our fears that the tourism balance of trade deficit could reach AUD7.3 billion for the 2009-10 financial year and rise to AUD9 billion in 2010-11," Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) director Christopher Brown said.

 "Until May 2008, we had always had more international visitors to Australia that Australians travelling overseas in a 12 month period, but those days are long gone."

According to the ABS figures for June, arrivals for the 2009-10 financial year were up 2.7 per cent compared to a 15.9 per cent jump in international travel by Australians.

Mr Brown called on politicians to actively invest in tourism product, infrastructure and marketing.

"This is not just a drain on the tourism industry, it's turning into a massive drain on the Australian economy," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.