Australia must find new ways to woo China

Mr Hingley will address the 2011 Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Symposium on Hamilton Island tomorrow, giving his insights into how the Australian tourism industry can take advantage of the new and growing opportunities offered by the Chinese market."If the Australian tourism industry does not get more deeply involved in this rapidly maturing market we could see it pass us by," Mr Hingley said.

"This is a quickly evolving market, and I know many of Australia's most experienced tourism sellers and marketers are constantly seeking more information on China."As Australia's number one tourism export market in expenditure, worth around $3 billion a year and growing strongly, Australia is now competing against countries such as Canada to attract the Chinese market.

"This time last year Canada was not an Approved Destination Status country, but they have quickly moved to rectify that and claim their share of Chinese tourism demand."Australia must now move to shore up this market to protect its potential into the future," Mr Hingley said.

ATEC Managing Director Felicia Mariani said the Tourism Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between Australia and China presents a unique opportunity and opens the door for more Chinese tourism to Australia."Now is the time for us to capitalise on this opportunity by creating a tourism product that directly connects with the Chinese tourist," Ms Mariani said.

"Australia can offer an unrivalled travel experience with beaches, nature and culture all within easy access of China and it is up to our industry to provide the kind of tailored services that really gets them in the door."Innovation and creativity is what Australia needs to stay in front of the pack in attracting key markets and positioning itself as a leader in global tourism innovation," Ms Mariani said.

Source = heraldsun.com.au