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Tourists visiting Australia rise by largest number in almost a decade Tourists visiting Australia rise by largest number in almost a decade
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Economic recovery in the UK and the US has helped drive a surge in overseas' travellers to Australia.Economic recovery in the UK and the US has helped drive a surge in overseas' travellers to Australia.
International visitors rose by 8.2% in the 12 months to May, the fastest rate of growth in nearly a decade, according to a report by Deloitte Access Economics.International visitors rose by 8.2% in the 12 months to May, the fastest rate of growth in nearly a decade, according to a report by Deloitte Access Economics.
Tourists from Asia continue to be the biggest driver but, defying previous trends, a significant increase in tourists from the UK and the US had contributed to the strong growth in international arrivals over the past 12 months, Deloitte spokesman, Lachlan Smirl, says.Tourists from Asia continue to be the biggest driver but, defying previous trends, a significant increase in tourists from the UK and the US had contributed to the strong growth in international arrivals over the past 12 months, Deloitte spokesman, Lachlan Smirl, says.
"Emerging Asian markets continue to drive growth in visitor numbers and spending in Australia. This has been the case for some time," he said."Emerging Asian markets continue to drive growth in visitor numbers and spending in Australia. This has been the case for some time," he said.
"But what has changed is two of Australia's oldest tourism markets, the US and the UK, which have been subdued for some time since the financial crisis, have seen strong growth in the past 12 months."But what has changed is two of Australia's oldest tourism markets, the US and the UK, which have been subdued for some time since the financial crisis, have seen strong growth in the past 12 months.
"There's been almost double digit growth for both of them which is a very positive turnaround and is one factor that has contributed to an overall upgrade in international arrivals.""There's been almost double digit growth for both of them which is a very positive turnaround and is one factor that has contributed to an overall upgrade in international arrivals."
Arrivals from the UK grew 12% for the year after falling 20% over the past six years. US arrivals grew 9.1%, the fastest pace since 2010.Arrivals from the UK grew 12% for the year after falling 20% over the past six years. US arrivals grew 9.1%, the fastest pace since 2010.
Chinese arrivals grew 11.9% while increased flights from low-cost carriers such as Air Asia X and Jetstar, increased holidaymakers from Malaysia (20.4%) and Singapore (16%).Chinese arrivals grew 11.9% while increased flights from low-cost carriers such as Air Asia X and Jetstar, increased holidaymakers from Malaysia (20.4%) and Singapore (16%).
Asia's rapidly expanding middle class is the biggest driver and will account for 63% of the total growth in international visitors over the next three years, Smirl added.Asia's rapidly expanding middle class is the biggest driver and will account for 63% of the total growth in international visitors over the next three years, Smirl added.
He said the growth in Chinese travellers to Australia may surpass Japan's 1997 heights by this time in 2015.He said the growth in Chinese travellers to Australia may surpass Japan's 1997 heights by this time in 2015.
Other facts from Deloitte's report: Other forecasts for the next three years from Deloitte's report:
• International tourists spend 35% of their nights outside the capitals * China and India arrivals expected to grow 8.8% each year
• China and India arrivals expected to grow 8.8% • Malaysia arrivals expected to grow 7.6% each year
• Malaysia arrivals expected to grow 7.6% • Singapore arrivals expected to grow 7.0% each year
• Singapore arrivals expected to grow 7.0% • Thailand arrivals expected to grow 7.2% each year
• Thailand arrivals expected to grow 7.2%
• Domestic travellers projected to grow at above-trend rates• Domestic travellers projected to grow at above-trend rates
• Domestic trips growing at an average 2.0% per annum over the next three years.• Domestic trips growing at an average 2.0% per annum over the next three years.