Australian tourism's push into Asia

The Australian government has begun a major push to attract more foreign and local investment into the country's embattled tourism sector.

It says the industry's set to be a major beneficiary of the region's growing affluence in the so-called Asian Century.

Australian tourism has been feeling the pinch from the high Australian dollar and the slowdown in the European and U-S economies.

But analysts say the surge in tourist numbers from Asia, especially China, is a huge opportunity for the industry and requires a new approach.

They say greater investment in hotels, attractions and facilities is desperately needed if Australia is going to compete for the discerning Asian tourist dollar.

Source - radioaustralia.net.au