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Print Chapter 4 (PDF 238KB) | < - Report Home < - Chapter 3 : Chapter 5 - > |
Introduction to the inbound tourism industry
Issues for the industry
Rogue operators
Current protection for international tourists
Consumer protection and fair trading legislation
Queensland specific legislation
The ADS scheme
Voluntary codes of conduct
The need for a national approach
To regulate or not to regulate
Committee conclusions
Skills and labour shortages
Competitive issues for inbound tourism
The Australian dollar
Cheap flights in other markets
The tyranny of distance
Committee conclusions
The declining Japanese market
Committee conclusions
Underperforming domestic tourism
Committee conclusions
Aviation policy
Committee conclusions
Opportunities for growth and policies for realisation
Emerging markets
China
India
Committee conclusions
Niche markets
Business tourism
Medical tourism
Committee conclusions
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Introduction to the inbound tourism industry |
4.1 | The inbound tourism industry plays a vital role in Australia’s economy—a fact that was recognised throughout the committee’s evidence. Tourism is officially defined as:
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4.2 | Tourism is subject to an Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘satellite account’, which attempts to quantify the contribution of the tourism industry to the economy. The satellite account from 2005-06 reveals the importance of tourism to the Australian economy:
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4.3 | While the above data show that tourism is one of Australia ’s most important industries, s ince 2001 its share of GDP has reduced from 4.7 per cent to 3.9 per cent. This fall was primarily caused by a reduction in the contribution of domestic tourism (3.6 per cent to 2.9 per cent), although that of inbound tourism has also reduced (1.2 per cent to 0.9 per cent).3 The performance of domestic tourism is discussed in detail later in this chapter. |
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4.4 | The inbound tourism industry enjoyed remarkable growth in the past three decades, as described by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC):
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4.5 | In more recent times, however, the inbound industry has experienced less impressive growth. The industry has endured a number of challenges following the high of the Sydney Olympics, including the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the Bali bombings, and the SARS epidemic. As a result, international visitor arrivals declined in 2002 and 2003. |
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4.6 | Recovering from these shocks, arrival numbers have rebounded in recent years with a record 5.5 million international visitors coming to Australia in 2006.5 Tourism exports also reached a record level in 2005-06 ($20.5 billion), although post-Olympic growth has again been moderate. In real terms exports have only grown by around 1.4 per cent annually since 1999-00.6 |
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4.7 | Australia’s biggest markets in terms of visitor numbers are New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States (see table 4.1 below). Visitor numbers from New Zealand and Great Britain have grown strongly in recent years, although numbers from New Zealand fell in 2006. Growth from the United States has been slow but consistent, while the Japanese market has been in steady decline. The highest growth in visitor numbers has occurred from China, which has grown by around 280 per cent in the past seven years. Growth from India has also been impressive, although total visitor numbers remain relatively small.7 Table 4.1 Australia’s top 10 tourism markets in terms of visitor numbers, 2005 and 2006
Source Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overseas arrivals and departures, cat. no. 3401.0, ABS, Canberra, February 2007. |
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4.8 | The United Kingdom is the most important market to the inbound industry in terms of its total economic value. This reflects the fact that travellers from the UK tend to stay much longer than others. Tourism Australia estimates that UK visitors contributed around $3 billion to the economy in the year ended December 2005. The other high-value markets are Japan ($2.2 billion), New Zealand ($1.9 billion), and the United States ($1.8 billion) (see figure 4.1 below).8 Figure 4.1 Australia’s top 10 tourism markets in terms of economic value, 2005
Source Tourism Australia, Market insight tourism facts, Tourism Australia, December 2005 |
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4.9 | The Tourism Forecasting Committee has predicted strong growth for inbound tourism in the next decade. It has forecast that visitor arrivals to Australia will reach approximately 8.3 million in 2015 at an annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent. The Chinese and Indian markets are expected to be the main drivers of this growth, with arrivals from these countries forecast to increase annually by 12.3 and 17 per cent respectively. The total economic value of inbound tourism is also predicted to grow strongly, reaching $31.6 billion in 2015—an annual growth rate of 5.2 per cent.9 |
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4.10 | The tourism industry receives a considerable level of federal government assistance. At present, the level of funding is driven by measures announced in 2003 in the government’s Tourism white paper: A medium to long term strategy for tourism. Among the key components of the white paper were the amalgamation of various government tourism bodies to form Tourism Australia, and an increase in funding for tourism promotion. The increased funding for promotion allowed the creation of the significant ‘where the bloody hell are you’ campaign.10 |
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Issues for the industry |
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4.11 | Evidence to this inquiry was dominated by discussion of the inbound tourism industry. The section below will outline and discuss some of the most important issues facing the industry. However, before discussing specific issues, the committee believes there is an overarching issue which can be addressed. |
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4.12 | Inbound tourism has performed modestly since the Olympics, but nonetheless remains one of Australia’s most important export industries. Its continued success is vital to the Australian economy. |
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4.13 | To support growth in the industry, the government, with the assistance of industry, has produced a range of reports in recent years on the future of inbound tourism. These reports include: a national tourism investment strategy; a strategy for the emerging Chinese and Indian markets; an action plan for the declining Japanese market; and the biannual reports of the Tourism Forecasting Committee. |
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4.14 | One of the strengths of this research is that it is produced in collaboration between government and industry, and therefore encompasses a range of stakeholder views. However, this strength may also be a weakness, as industry participants are likely to retain an overly optimistic outlook for the industry. |
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4.15 | The committee therefore believes there is scope for an independent inquiry to examine and recommend initiatives for the future of the inbound tourism industry. The inquiry could be undertaken by an independent consulting firm, or could be headed by a leading business figure and supported by a secretariat from a government agency such as Treasury. |
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4.16 | The committee is of the view that the inbound industry would benefit from this kind of objective analysis to complement the research it has undertaken with the government. |
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4.17 | Recommendation 7
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Rogue operators |
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4.18 | ‘Rogue operators’—tourism operators who mistreat and take advantage of foreign tourists—have been a longstanding issue for the tourism industry. It is an issue that unfortunately remains prevalent, as the committee heard throughout its inquiry. |
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4.19 | The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) outlined the issue in the following terms:
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4.20 | ATEC provided some specific examples of how rogue operators deceive and mislead international tourists:
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4.21 | The markets particularly at risk from these operators are emerging markets for the Australian industry, including China, South Korea and Taiwan. 13 |
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4.22 | At the committee’s tourism roundtable in Sydney, witnesses cited two surveys of Asian visitors conducted between 2001 and 2003 which reported a significant level of dissatisfaction with Australian holidays. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR) later clarified the details of these surveys. The first survey, which was exclusively of Chinese tourists, reported 40 per cent dissatisfaction. The second, which surveyed visitors from Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan, reported 22 per cent dissatisfaction.14 The level of dissatisfaction, while clearly concerning for the industry, is not directly attributable to rogue operators according to DITR:
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Current protection for international tourists |
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Consumer protection and fair trading legislation |
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4.23 | Under current state and federal laws there are a number of ways in which international tourists should be protected from the actions of rogue operators. Most obviously, tourists should be protected under consumer protection and fair trading legislation at both a state and federal level. As noted by DITR, ‘the Trade Practices Act and [state and territory] fair trading legislation have strong application to addressing unethical conduct in inbound tourism.’16 |
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4.24 | This legislation is supported by the Inbound Tourism Compliance Taskforce which comprises state and federal tourism, fair trading and police agencies. DITR reported that:
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4.25 | Despite this undertaking, there have been very few investigations into rogue operators. The ACCC told the committee it does not receive sufficient evidence to take action against specific operators:
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Queensland specific legislation |
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4.26 | The Queensland government introduced specific legislation to regulate tourism operators—the Queensland Tourism Services Act 2003. The Act requires inbound tour operators to register with the government, and also to comply with an enforceable code of conduct which outlaws unconscionable behaviour. The tourism industry is highly supportive of this move; however, they are concerned that ‘the resources provided for enforcement are limited.’19 |
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The ADS scheme |
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4.27 | The federal government has implemented the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme—a scheme which only applies to Chinese leisure tourists. DITR explain the ADS scheme as follows:
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4.28 | Tour operators that wish to service Chinese leisure groups must be approved by DITR under the ADS scheme. Once approved, operators must comply with a compulsory code of conduct, and are subject to random compliance checks.21 |
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4.29 | While the ADS scheme should protect all Chinese leisure tourists, ATEC asserts that ‘some [inbound tour operators] are operating illegally outside the scheme.’22 Further, many Chinese citizens travel to Australia outside of the ADS scheme on non-ADS visa types—study, business, or visiting family and friends. ADS scheme travellers only account for about 30 per cent of Australia’s Chinese market.23 Travellers on non-ADS visa types can make leisure travel arrangements with operators not approved under the ADS scheme. |
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Voluntary codes of conduct |
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4.30 | In addition to the regulatory protections outlined above, industry and government have developed ‘a range of voluntary codes of conduct that promote ethical practices in inbound tourism.’24 DITR provided details of three important codes:
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4.31 | While stressing the importance of these codes, DITR noted they are only recent and therefore ‘it is premature to judge their effectiveness’.26 |
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The need for a national approach |
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4.32 | Tourism lobby groups have strongly urged governments to take a national approach to the issue of rogue operators. One of the primary concerns is that an inconsistent, state-by-state approach encourages rogue operators to locate in the state with the weakest regulation and enforcement. QTIC summarised this viewpoint, asserting: ‘a state-based approach to this issue has only limited reach and encourages cross-boarder shifting of activities to avoid detection and prosecution.’27 |
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4.33 | This view was supported by ATEC, who also argued it is important for the federal government to think of rogue operator regulation as a form of export protection:
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To regulate or not to regulate |
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4.34 | It seems that everyone agrees that rogue operators are a problem; however, there is far less agreement on what can be done to stop their operation. Essentially, there are two schools of thought on the solution. The first argues that there needs to be better enforcement of existing legislation in all jurisdictions, while the second contends that there needs to be new federal legislation introduced, which will require the licensing of all tour operators. |
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4.35 | The strongest advocate of greater enforcement of existing legislation is the federal government. DITR summarised the government’s position, stating:
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4.36 | The government’s approach on better enforcement of existing legislation includes new processes to make it easier for mistreated tourists to make complaints. DITR summarised the new approach:
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4.37 | Somewhat unusually, it is the industry seeking new legislation to regulate all tour operators. The industry’s position was outlined by Matt Hingerty of ATEC, who told the committee:
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Committee conclusions |
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4.38 | Tourism rogue operators are an issue the committee looked at in some detail. It is a long standing issue for the industry and one that needs to be solved as a matter of urgency. It is fundamentally important to the tourism industry—one of Australia’s biggest export industries—that rogue operators are not allowed to continue to damage our reputation as a tourism destination. |
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4.39 | There is disagreement on how action against rogue operators should proceed. The federal government argues that stronger enforcement of existing state and federal legislation is the answer. Conversely, the industry advocates a new federal regulatory regime for tour operators, requiring all operators to be licensed and comply with a mandatory code. |
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4.40 | The committee is of the view that there is little sense in adding an extra level of regulation when sufficient regulatory powers already exist. Doing so would come at significant cost to both tourism operators and the government. The industry has argued for a new regulatory regime, not because existing powers are insufficient, but because existing powers have not been enforced by federal and state bodies. |
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4.41 | The committee was concerned by the attitude of the ACCC in relation to this matter. It acknowledged that its powers are in most cases sufficient to act against rogue operators, but argued that it has not received sufficient evidence to do so. Of course, it very difficult for international tourists to provide evidence, particularly for those who cannot speak English, and there are also very few tourists that would go to the effort to make a complaint. The ACCC appears to have shown no initiative in attempting to stamp out the practices of rogue operators. |
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4.42 | The ACCC is, of course, not the only government agency with responsibility for trade practices and consumer protection; the various state and territory fair trading bodies also have a role. The Trade Practices Act gives the ACCC responsibility for trade practices (such as unconscionable behaviour) and consumer protection (such as misleading and deceptive conduct), but only in relation to corporations. As such, sole traders and partnerships, which many rogue operators may be, are not covered by the Act. They are instead covered under state and territory fair trading legislation. These shared responsibilities mean that there must be a cooperative national approach to eradicating rogue operators. |
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4.43 | The establishment of the combined state and federal Inbound Tourism Compliance Taskforce is a positive step toward better national coordination on this issue. However, the taskforce meets irregularly and appears to have had little impact to date. The taskforce, led by DITR and the ACCC, must do more. |
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4.44 | To assist members of the taskforce in making a case against alleged rogue operators, it is vital that tourists are able to make complaints easily. The multi-language web-based measures the government has recently implemented appear to be a good start in facilitating a simplified complaints process. Adding to this process, it would be useful if tourists were advised of their rights, as well as ways in which they can make complaints, prior to their arrival. For example, information could be provided when visas are granted, and video messages (in several languages) could be played on all planes arriving into Australia. |
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4.45 | Recommendation 8
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Skills and labour shortages |
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4.46 | Skills and labour shortages were discussed in detail in chapter 3 which looked at issues for the services sector as a whole. Much of the evidence used in that discussion was from the tourism industry, reflecting the fact that the shortages are seen as a significant issue in the industry. This section will not repeat that lengthy discussion nor will it repeat the committee’s conclusions and recommendation. |
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4.47 | The committee once again notes that the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations and Workforce Participation is conducting an inquiry focussing entirely on workforce challenges in the tourism industry. This committee will closely monitor the conclusions and recommendations reached by its counterpart. |
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Competitive issues for inbound tourism |
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4.48 | The inbound tourism industry is facing a number of competitive pressures at present. These will be discussed separately below. |
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The Australian dollar |
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4.49 | One of the effects of the resources boom has been the appreciation of the Australian dollar. Most tourism-focussed submissions discussed the appreciating dollar as a constraining influence on tourism exports. The dollar and the apparent impact on tourism was summarised in Qantas’s submission:
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4.50 | The dollar has appreciated 60 per cent against the US dollar since 2001 when the dollar was below US 50c. At the time of writing, the Australian dollar was consistently above the US 80c mark. This appreciation is significant for the tourism sector as the United States is the fourth biggest market in terms of visitor numbers, and may explain why growth in visitor numbers has been slow. |
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4.51 | The Australian dollar has also appreciated significantly against the currency of the third most frequent visitors to Australia, the Japanese. The dollar has appreciated approximately 70 per cent against the yen since October 2000, reaching above ¥100 at the time of writing. Japanese visitor numbers have been in steady decline in recent years and the appreciation of the Australian dollar is one of the possible explanations for this decline (see more detailed discussion of the Japanese market below). |
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4.52 | The dollar has been comparatively stable against our two most significant tourism export markets, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. This stability is reflected in the consistent growth in visitor numbers from these markets. |
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4.53 | While the dollar’s appreciation against the currency of trading partners explains some decline in visitor numbers, it also appears to have supported the strong growth in outbound tourism (Australians travelling overseas). This was recognised by ATEC who concluded that the growth in outbound tourism ‘has partly been attributed to the strong Australian dollar.’33 |
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Cheap flights in other markets |
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4.54 | Another competitive pressure for the inbound tourism industry is the advent of low-cost airlines in Europe and, more recently, Asia. Essentially, the availability of these flights make short-haul, intra-continental travel more appealing, and consequently long-haul flights (like the flight to Australia) less appealing. John Hawkins of Treasury commented on the impact of cheaper flights:
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4.55 | Tourism Australia discussed budget airlines in the context of Asia:
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4.56 | Overall, it is clear that the introduction of budget, intra-continental airlines poses a significant competitive threat to Australia ’s inbound industry. |
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The tyranny of distance |
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4.57 | Australia’s relative distance from source markets has always been an issue for the inbound tourism industry. It is an issue the industry has been able to overcome to some extent, as flight times and in-flight service and comfort have improved over the years. |
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4.58 | However, the ‘tyranny of distance’ has re-emerged according to the evidence of this inquiry. It has done so for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is an increasing tendency toward shorter breaks. As such, the attraction of long-haul destinations has suffered. The trend toward shorter breaks and the effect on inbound tourism was discussed by Tourism Australia:
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4.59 | The trend for shorter breaks is, of course, supported by the emergence of low-cost, short-haul airlines discussed above. |
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4.60 | Secondly, the increased price of oil acutely affects the price of long-haul flights. Karl Flowers of Tourism Australia discussed this impact:
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4.61 | Finally, the increasing public interest in climate change has the potential to exacerbate the tyranny of distance for the inbound tourism industry. Aircraft currently contribute approximately 2-3 per cent of global carbon emissions. This figure is estimated to reach 4-5 per cent in coming years if airline travel continues to grow at the current rate.38 |
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4.62 | ATEC, among others, has highlighted the potential for ‘global guilt’ on climate change—particularly from European markets—to impact Australia’s inbound industry.39 There has also been a recent push from within Europe for consumers to avoid long-haul flights. If significant numbers of Europeans decide to reduce the number of long-haul flights they take, the Australian inbound tourism industry may suffer. |
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4.63 | The Tourism Minister, the Hon Fran Bailey MP, recently announced that a ‘Tourism action plan on climate change’ would be developed. The press release announcing the action plan highlighted that tourism is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change.40 |
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Committee conclusions |
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4.64 | Inbound tourism is by nature a hugely competitive industry. Almost every country in the world is vying to become a popular tourism destination. Over recent decades, Australia has been able to compete well in the global market, building a strong inbound industry. However, it is clear that there are a number of competitive challenges facing the industry both now and into the future. |
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4.65 | The high Australian dollar is an issue for the industry, but perhaps not as big of an issue as some might suggest. The dollar is considerably above its post-float average against the US dollar. Nonetheless, the number of visitor arrivals from the United States continues to grow—albeit at more moderate levels than other markets. |
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4.66 | The dollar has appreciated significantly against the Japanese yen in recent years, which has coincided with a steady decline in visitor numbers from Japan. However, the yen is only marginally above its post-float average. Further, in 1997-98 when a record 797,000 visitors arrived from Japan, the yen was at similar levels to those seen today. The appreciation of the dollar against the yen is certainly a factor in the decline of the Japanese market, but it is probably not the definitive factor. The decline of the Japanese market is discussed in more detail below. |
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4.67 | Cheap intra-Asia and intra-Europe flights are providing significant competition to Australia’s inbound tourism industry. There is very little the industry can do about the advent of these airlines other than continuing to offer a quality product and continuing strong overseas marketing. It is, however, encouraging that there are low-cost carriers, such as Jetstar and Tiger, starting to fly to Australia from various Asian hubs. |
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4.68 | Distance has always been an issue for the inbound industry. It appears there are a number of factors which may exacerbate this issue looking forward. The global trend for shorter breaks is potentially harmful for Australia and other long-haul destinations. Similarly, the high cost of oil may impact the inbound industry. Oil prices have increased in early 2007 and may soon approach the record levels seen in mid 2006. The resultant fuel surcharges on long haul flights can be significant. There is, once again, very little the industry can do about these issues except for continued marketing and offering a quality product. |
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4.69 | An emerging challenge for the industry is the increasing public interest in climate change. Air travel does contribute to global carbon emissions, but it is also very important to the operation of the world’s economy. As global trade continues to increase, so too will the need to transport people and goods by air. Australia’s relative distance from the rest of the world means that we are more reliant than most on international air travel and air freight. |
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4.70 | In the coming years governments around the world may implement mechanisms to reduce carbon emissions by aircraft (such as carbon emissions trading or carbon taxes). If this occurs, the cost of air travel will increase. The Australian inbound tourism industry, because of Australia’s distance from source markets, would be particularly hard hit by any price rises. The government has recently announced that it will develop a tourism action plan on climate change. The committee believes it is important that the action plan include consideration of the potential effects of global policies to reduce carbon emissions. |
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4.71 | Though a little outside the scope of this inquiry, the committee also believes that it is important for the government to consider the potential impact on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, both of which rely heavily on air freight. |
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4.72 | In recent times there have been calls from within Europe for its citizens to avoid long-haul flights, and give preference to consumer products which have not been freighted long distances. The committee believes that these calls are based on Euro-centric protectionist motives, more so than a desire to address climate change. The government and industry must attempt to ensure that the increasing public interest in climate change is not exploited by groups with protectionist interests. |
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4.73 | Recommendation 9
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The declining Japanese market |
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4.74 | While the industry has experienced strong growth from markets such as China and India (these markets will be discussed in detail below), there has been a consistent decline in the Japanese market. Evidence to this inquiry highlighted this fact and suggested it is an area needing some attention. |
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4.75 | In 1997-98, 797,000 Japanese visitors came to Australia; in 2004-05, this figure had fallen to 700,800.41 From January 2006 to January 2007, this figure had fallen further to 638,600.42 In 1997-98 Japanese were the most frequent visitors to Australia; now they are only the third most frequent behind New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Overall, there has been almost a 20 per cent decline in the Japanese market since 1996 (see figure 4.2 below). |
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4.76 | Despite this decline, and the fact the Japanese are now third in terms of visitor numbers, the Japanese market remains the second most important for the inbound industry in terms of total economic value. Figure 4.2 Japanese visitors to Australia, 1996-2006
Source Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overseas arrivals and departures, cat. no. 3401.0, ABS, Canberra, 2007. |
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4.77 | One factor which has undoubtedly hurt the Japanese market is the appreciation of the Australian dollar against the Japanese yen. The dollar has increased against the yen by approximately 70 per cent since 2000. |
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4.78 | A number of witnesses and submissions highlighted the obvious correlation between the appreciation of the dollar and decline in Japanese tourism to Australia. Qantas, for example, reported ‘relative exchange rate movements have heavily influenced Japanese leisure travel patterns in recent years.’43 |
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4.79 | The high dollar is certainly a factor in the decline in the Japanese market, but it is not the only factor. This was recognised by the Action Plan for Japanese Tourism Committee, who recently studied the Japanese inbound market. The committee highlighted numerous factors contributing to the decline, including the Japanese economic downturn, changing traveller types for Australia, airline developments, competition, and inconsistency in Australia’s presence and activity.44 |
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4.80 | The committee made four key recommendations for recapturing the Japanese market. These are:
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4.81 | The Tourism Forecasting Committee is predicting visitor arrivals from Japan will return to the peak of the mid nineties, but not until 2014. Despite this, the committee forecasts that the economic value of inbound tourism from Japan, in real terms, will decline by 0.3 per cent to 2015. This presumption is based on reduced spending per visitor.46 |
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Committee conclusions |
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4.82 | The Japanese have long been one of Australia’s best export markets. It is therefore concerning for the inbound tourism industry that this important market has been in decline in recent years. There are clearly a number of reasons behind this decline. Some of these reasons—the exchange rate and the Japanese economic downturn, for example—are beyond the industry’s or the government’s control. |
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4.83 | However, there are also reasons that can be addressed by industry and government. It is encouraging that the government commissioned a committee to produce an action plan for Japanese tourism. The recommendations of that committee include improving marketing, aviation and product development. |
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4.84 | Japan is one of the few countries for which the Tourism Forecasting Committee is forecasting a decline in economic value. It is therefore important that the government and industry implement the recommendations of the action plan committee. |
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4.85 | Recommendation 10
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Underperforming domestic tourism |
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4.86 | This inquiry focussed primarily on tourism exports; however, there was also some discussion about domestic tourism. As was noted by the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF), ‘the success of the export sector or inbound market is inextricably linked to the health of the domestic sector.’47 |
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4.87 | DITR also commented on the importance of the domestic market:
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4.88 | Given the significance of domestic tourism, several groups were concerned about its performance in recent times. Tourism Australia outlined some of the recent figures which highlight the concerning state of domestic tourism:
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4.89 | ATEC commented on the effect the declining domestic market can have on inbound tourism:
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4.90 | A recent report commissioned by DITR, An assessment of the Australian domestic tourism market , concluded there are three broad trends leading to the decline in domestic tourism:
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4.91 | A follow-up report, also commissioned by DITR, inquired into the reasons behind the trends identified. One of the conclusions was that domestic travel is not well regarded by Australians: ‘Semantically, travel within Australia has shifted from not being real travel, to not being travel at all.’ 52 The report also found that domestic tourism is not seen as providing value for money. The report cited three main issues in this regard:
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4.92 | One of the most significant findings was that domestic tourism is unlikely to ever be as important as it once was:
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4.93 | However, the report’s final conclusion was that ‘despite the very significant challenges domestic tourism faces, there is a good case to be made for addressing them.’55 |
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4.94 | Tourism Australia noted that the federal government has a lesser role in promoting domestic tourism compared to its role in inbound tourism:
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4.95 | Tourism Australia itself acknowledged that more federal government involvement in domestic tourism may assist in reversing the current trends:
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4.96 | Evidence to the inquiry also commented on the role of state governments in the promotion of both domestic and inbound tourism. It was argued that while some state governments do a good job, others do a poor one. Owen Johnstone-Donnet of TTF commented:
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4.97 | In a stronger criticism, Mike Cannon of the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux (AACB) stated:
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Committee conclusions |
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4.98 | Domestic tourism is fundamentally important, not only to the Australian economy as a whole, but also to the inbound tourism industry. Domestic and international tourists utilise the same infrastructure and services. The provision of quality tourism infrastructure and services is largely dependant on income from domestic tourists, given that domestic tourists comprise approximately 75 per cent of tourism spending. |
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4.99 | Contributors to this inquiry were rightly concerned about the steady decline in domestic tourism. There are numerous causes of this decline, as shown in the recent reports commissioned by the federal government. Some of the causes—such as the reduced ability to spend time and money on a holiday—may be difficult to rectify. There are, however, other causes—like the attitude to travelling in Australia and the perception of value for money—which can and should be addressed. |
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4.100 | Domestic tourism is primarily the responsibility of state governments. Evidence to this inquiry suggested that some states are promoting their tourism industries well, while others— New South Wales, in particular—are not. It is clear that some states must improve their tourism promotion. |
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4.101 | The federal government plays a lesser role in domestic tourism. Having said this, the Tourism White Paper recognised the importance of, and committed the government to, improving domestic tourism. It is encouraging that the federal government has commissioned detailed research into why the domestic industry is in decline. It is important that the government continues this leadership and coordination role. |
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Aviation policy |
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4.102 | Aviation policy is crucial for Australia’s inbound tourism industry. Reflecting this, a number of submissions and witnesses raised issues regarding aviation during the inquiry. The most prominent debate was about whether there is sufficient capacity operating on routes into Australia, and whether air services agreements are constraining growth in inbound tourism. |
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4.103 | There was a view that on some routes there is insufficient capacity operating into Australia. This view was expressed by Cameron Macphee of Brisbane Airport in relation to flights into Brisbane:
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4.104 | One of the reasons given for capacity shortages was the delay in production of the Airbus A380 aircraft, and the consequent commercial decisions by airlines to use the planes they have available on more profitable routes. Cameron Macphee provided an example of this situation materialising:
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4.105 | Similar evidence was given by Philip Noonan of DITR, who stated:
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4.106 | While acknowledging some of the problems caused by the delayed A380 aircraft, Mr Noonan argued that on the whole airline capacity was not a major concern for the industry:
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4.107 | Bilateral air services agreements control access to air routes into and from Australia. There was some debate as to whether these agreements are overly restrictive and therefore causing capacity shortages on certain routes. When asked the department’s opinion on this claim, Mr Noonan said:
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4.108 | The federal government has recently reviewed its policy approach to air services agreements. The government concluded that into the future its air services policy will:
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Committee conclusions |
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4.109 | Aviation policy is of great importance to the inbound tourism industry. Unlike other countries—European countries, in particular— Australia relies almost exclusively on air travel to bring in its inbound tourists. |
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4.110 | It appears that capacity may be a problem on some routes. However, it also appears that capacity is an issue primarily because of delayed aircraft acquisitions and the consequent commercial decisions of airlines, not because of restrictions imposed by air services agreements. If this statement is true, the solution to any current capacity constraints will come in the next few years when the Airbus A380 comes into service. |
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4.111 | Having said this, continued liberalisation of air services agreements will be important into the future if we are to accommodate the 3.5 million additional visitors predicted by the Tourism Forecasting Committee. The government’s recent policy framework on air service agreements, including the aspirational goal of ‘open skies’, should assist in the negotiation of appropriate agreements. |
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Opportunities for growth and policies for realisation |
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4.112 | Submissions to this inquiry have highlighted numerous growth opportunities for the inbound tourism industry. The section below will discuss these opportunities under two broad headings:
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Emerging markets |
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4.113 | The pillars of the inbound tourism industry in Australia have long been countries like Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. While these markets remain important, the industry has a number of emerging markets that are likely to be of increasing importance into the future. Some of the regions from which visitor numbers are expected to increase significantly include Eastern Europe, South America and the Middle East.66 |
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4.114 | The government’s Emerging Markets Consultative Group explained the importance of emerging markets for the inbound industry:
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4.115 | Submissions to this inquiry, as well as research outside of this inquiry, have focussed primarily on two particular emerging markets: China and India. These markets are discussed separately below. |
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China |
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4.116 | The industrialisation of China is fuelling Australia’s current resources boom. This industrialisation is also fuelling another boom for the Australian economy—a boom in the number of Chinese citizens coming to Australia as tourists. |
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4.117 | Between 1997-98 and 2004-05 visitor numbers from China grew by approximately 280 per cent. This growth has seen China become the inbound industry’s fifth largest market, both in terms of visitor numbers and total economic value.68 |
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4.118 | The Tourism Forecasting Committee has forecast very strong growth in the Chinese market over the medium term. The committee has estimated that visitor arrivals from China will grow from 285,000 in 2005 to 911,000 in 2015—an annual growth rate of 12 per cent (see figure 4.3 below). If this level of growth materialises, China will become Australia’s third largest market in terms of visitor numbers, and largest in terms of total economic value.69 Figure 4.3 Forecast visitor arrivals from China, 2005 to 2025
Source Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 10. |
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4.119 | Recognising the importance of the Chinese market, the government appointed a consultative group to produce an emerging markets strategy for the Chinese and Indian markets. The consultative group was tasked with identifying strategies to ensure the inbound industry captures the expected demand, and also strategies to address any impediments to growth. |
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4.120 | The group came up with 12 recommendations to assist in the development of the Chinese market. The recommendations focussed on the following areas:
Engagement with the Chinese travel industry and government.70 |
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4.121 | The government responded to this report in early 2007, summarising that ‘the majority of recommendations … are supported by or already implemented in current government policy and arrangements.’71 |
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India |
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4.122 | India, like China, has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies in recent years:
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4.123 | The Indian economy is forecast to grow at approximately 7 per cent annually over the next decade, making it the world’s third largest economy.73 Resulting from this impressive growth will be an increase in the number of Indian citizens seeking overseas tourism experiences. |
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4.124 | This increase has been evident in Australia’s inbound tourism numbers over the past decade. In 1995-96, 19,000 Indian tourists came to Australia; in 2004-05, 59,000 arrived—an increase of some 210 per cent. Despite this impressive growth, the Indian market remains very small for the industry, representing just 1 per cent of inbound tourism’s total contribution to the Australian economy. India is only the fourteenth largest single-country market for the inbound industry.74 |
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4.125 | While the Indian market is small at present, India’s massive population and continued economic growth make it a priority emerging market for the industry. The Tourism Forecasting Committee has reported that ‘anecdotal feedback suggests interest in travelling to Australia is increasingly rapidly.’75 Matt Hingerty of ATEC outlined some of Australia’s advantages in attracting Indian tourists:
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4.126 | The Tourism Forecasting Committee has forecast that the number of Indian inbound tourists to Australia will increase to 327,000 in 2015—an average annual growth rate of 17 per cent (considerably faster even than the expected Chinese growth rate, and far above the growth rate expected in other markets). If this situation eventuates, India will become Australia’s seventh largest market in terms of visitor numbers and total economic value.77 If the inbound industry is able to achieve higher than forecast growth, India may become a top five market by 2025 (see figure 4.4 below).78 Figure 4.4 Forecast visitor arrivals from India, 2005 to 2025
Source Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 16. |
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4.127 | As outlined in the discussion on China, the government recently commissioned research on strategies to develop, and policies to address issues, in the Indian and Chinese markets. The consultative group’s recommendations in relation to the Indian market are very similar to those for the Chinese market. The government has generally supported the recommendations in the report. |
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Committee conclusions |
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4.128 | It is not surprising that the world’s two most populous countries, with two of the world’s fastest growing economies, are considered to be the two primary emerging markets for the inbound tourism industry. The Chinese market is already very significant for the industry, and will become the most significant within the next decade. The Indian market is comparatively small but will become increasingly important over time. |
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4.129 | The committee commends the government-commissioned research that has been conducted into these markets. The strategies identified, if implemented, will place the industry in a good position to capitalise on the market opportunities. |
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4.130 | Some of the issues identified earlier in this chapter are relevant to the future of these markets. A swift solution to the issue of rogue operators will be particularly important for the Chinese market—a fact that was recognised by the Emerging Markets Consultative Group. The issue of rogue operators is less of an issue for Indian travellers as they are more likely to be English speaking. |
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4.131 | The issue of airline capacity will need to be monitored by the government into the future as more and more Indian and Chinese tourists seek to travel here. Clearly, current capacity would not be able to service the millions of extra annual arrivals expected from these markets in coming years. |
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4.132 | It is also important that tourism-related infrastructure—airports, roads, hotels etc.—are progressively updated and improved upon to ensure the inbound industry can service the expected increased demand. As noted above, there is potential for infrastructure development to be hindered by the under-performance of the domestic industry. The importance of infrastructure for the development of emerging markets was raised not only by the Emerging Markets Consultative Group, but also by numerous submissions and witnesses to this inquiry. |
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4.133 | Finally, the committee believes it is important for the government to conduct research into other emerging markets, having done so for the Chinese and Indian markets. Understanding and targeting opportunities in other markets will broaden the base of the inbound industry. |
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Niche markets |
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4.134 | Tourism is a highly competitive industry. It is therefore imperative that Australia’s inbound industry differentiates itself from other destinations by offering unique tourism products and experiences. Doing so will provide the industry with a competitive advantage over other markets, which in turn should ensure continued success for the inbound industry. |
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4.135 | Evidence to this inquiry discussed the importance of targeting unique products and experiences—often termed targeting ‘niche’ markets. DITR and Tourism Australia have identified and are targeting a number of niche markets, including:
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4.136 | Each of the above is an area where Australia has a comparative advantage over other destinations. While every niche market is important for the inbound industry, evidence to this inquiry focussed primarily on three in particular: Business events tourism, medical tourism and study tourism. The business and medical niche markets are discussed separately below—study tourism is discussed in the following chapter on international education. |
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Business tourism |
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4.137 | The niche market most frequently raised in evidence was business tourism. Business tourism is already an important market for the industry, but there remains scope for significant growth. |
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4.138 | A strong business tourism industry holds a number of advantages over the leisure tourism industry. For example, business tourists tend to spend more money:
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4.139 | According to Tourism Australia, business tourism also tends to be a more stable market than ordinary holiday makers:
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4.140 | Australia has a number of advantages in attracting businesses to hold events here, as noted on the website of the association for business events marketing organisations, AACB:
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4.141 | The Australian Hotels’ Association asserted that Australia has potential as a business venue but ‘more needs to be done to ensure a co-ordinated national approach to this market.’84 AACB shared a similar view:
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4.142 | AACB quoted recent data supporting the view that Australia is underachieving in business tourism:
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4.143 | DITR noted that the government has allocated resources to business tourism:
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4.144 | However, Mike Cannon of AACB was critical of the resources allocated to the TEA:
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4.145 | In addition to concerns about the level of Tourism Australia assistance, there was also a view that there could be more effective coordination between other agencies who promote Australia. Mr Cannon explained this concept as follows:
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4.146 | Overall, there was some agreement that governments need to place greater emphasis on promoting Australia as a business events destination. |
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Medical tourism |
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4.147 | Medical tourism was another niche market opportunity discussed in the committee’s evidence. Interestingly, medical tourism is not one of the high priority niche markets listed above and detailed on DITR’s website. |
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4.148 | Matt Hingerty of ATEC described the opportunity that exists to develop medical tourism industry:
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4.149 | ATEC highlighted that a medical tourism industry has the potential to be ‘extremely high-yielding’.91 |
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4.150 | The Service Industry Research Centre (SIRC) also discussed medical tourism as a significant growth opportunity, stating:
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4.151 | SIRC provided three examples of successful medical tourism industries which Australia could look to emulate:
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4.152 | An extensive Australian medical tourism industry would have a number of potential competitive advantages over other destinations according to Brett Wilson of the Australian Health Export Industry Council (AHEIC):
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4.153 | Mr Wilson emphasised that there is an important role for government in developing a medical tourism industry:
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4.154 | Mr Wilson also commented on the role other countries’ governments have played in developing medical tourism industries:
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4.155 | While medical tourism does appear to have significant potential, there are potential problems for governments, as described by a former member of this committee:
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4.156 | In response to this comment, Brett Wilson of AHEIC said that the extra revenue from international patients may actually help keep surgeons in Australia, rather than being attracted overseas:
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4.157 | On the whole, medical tourism appears to be an area of potential growth for Australia. |
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Committee conclusions |
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4.158 | The development of niche markets in which Australia has a competitive advantage is a good strategy for the future. Many of the markets identified by DITR and Tourism Australia are high-yielding markets, adding to their appeal. |
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4.159 | There are a multitude of markets in which Australia can specialise. Food and wine tourism, ecotourism and indigenous tourism are already important industries, and will become increasingly important into the future. |
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4.160 | While there are numerous niche markets for Australia, two in particular drew detailed evidence in this inquiry—business tourism and medical tourism. Both markets are potentially lucrative and, according to evidence, are underdeveloped in Australia. |
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4.161 | Business tourism requires greater government attention. The organisation responsible for coordinating business events promotion, Tourism Events Australia, appears to be under-resourced. Another problem for the business tourism sector is that, as discussed in chapter 3, Australia’s overseas brand is predominantly directed toward leisure tourism, to the detriment of our other capabilities. The recommendation in chapter 3 about broadening Australia’s brand and introducing a ‘Brand Australia Council’ would certainly assist the business tourism sector. |
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4.162 | The further development of Australia’s medical tourism industry is an interesting concept. It is evident that there is significant international demand for medical services, as demonstrated by the burgeoning medical tourism industries which have developed in the Asian region— Thailand, Singapore and India, in particular. However, medical tourism may be controversial if additional international patients have the effect of extending current waiting lists in the public system. If the medical services offered by Australian providers were limited to cosmetic-type surgeries, as well as spa and retreat services, this concern would not materialise. Overall, the concept of extending medical tourism in Australia is worth further consideration. |
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4.163 | Recommendation 11
|
1 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, p. 5. Back |
2 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account 2005-06, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra, May 2007. Back |
3 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account 2005-06, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra, May 2007. Back |
4 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 3. Back |
5 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overseas arrivals and departures, cat. no. 3401.0, ABS, Canberra, February 2007. Back |
6 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account 2005-06, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra, May 2007. Back |
7 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account 2005-06, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra, May 2007. Back |
8 | Tourism Australia, Market insight tourism facts, Tourism Australia, December 2005. Back |
9 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fifth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, pp. 18-20. Back |
10 | Productivity Commission, Trade and assistance review 2004-05, Productivity Commission, Canberra, 2006. Back |
11 | Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Submission no. 12, p. 8. Back |
12 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 13. Back |
13 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 March 2007, p. 2. Back |
14 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 1. Back |
15 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 1. Back |
16 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 5. Back |
17 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 9. Back |
18 | Mr N Ridgway, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Transcript of evidence, 1 March 2007, p. 1. Back |
19 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 15. Back |
20 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 6-7. Back |
21 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 7. Back |
22 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 14. Back |
23 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 March 2007, p. 5. Back |
24 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 8. Back |
25 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 8. Back |
26 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 8. Back |
27 | Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Submission no. 12, p. 8. Back |
28 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 March 2007, p. 2. Back |
29 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 45, p. 8. Back |
30 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 53, p. 2. Back |
31 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 March 2007, p. 3. Back |
32 | Qantas, Submission no. 37, p. 15. Back |
33 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 8. Back |
34 | Mr J Hawkins, The Treasury, Transcript of evidence, 1 December 2006, p. 1. Back |
35 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, p. 39. Back |
36 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, p. 39. Back |
37 | Mr K Flowers, Tourism Australia, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 9. Back |
38 | D Robertson, ‘Virgin to fly non-stop from London to Sydney’, The Australian, 25 April 2007, viewed 26 April 2007, < http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21618411-643,00.html>. Back |
39 | L Allen, ‘Tourism to joint climate debate’, The Australian Financial Review, 18 April 2007, p. 5. Back |
40 | The Hon F Bailey MP, Tourism action plan on climate change, Media Release, 18 April 2007. Back |
41 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra , 2006. Back |
42 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overseas arrivals and departures, cat. no. 3401.0, ABS, Canberra, 2007. Back |
43 | Qantas, Submission no. 37, p. 15. Back |
44 | Action Plan for Japanese Tourism Committee, Embracing change: Action plan for Japanese tourism, Commonwealth of Australia, January 2006, p. 9 Back |
45 | Action Plan for Japanese Tourism Committee, Embracing change: Action plan for Japanese tourism, Commonwealth of Australia, January 2006, p. 7. Back |
46 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fifth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, p. 23. Back |
47 | Tourism and Transport Forum, Submission no. 27, p. 12. Back |
48 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 21, p. 9. Back |
49 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, p. 18. Back |
50 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 8. Back |
51 | A Maurer et al, An assessment of the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2006; in D Collins et al, Changing consumer behaviour: Impact on the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2007, p. 2. Back |
52 | D Collins et al, Changing consumer behaviour: Impact on the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2007, p. 23. Back |
53 | D Collins et al, Changing consumer behaviour: Impact on the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2007, p. 24. Back |
54 | D Collins et al, Changing consumer behaviour: Impact on the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2007, p. 23. Back |
55 | D Collins et al, Changing consumer behaviour: Impact on the Australian domestic tourism market, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, 2007, p. 24. Back |
56 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, pp. 11 & 28. Back |
57 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, pp. 44. Back |
58 | Mr O Johnstone-Donnet, Tourism and Transport Forum, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 16. Back |
59 | Mr M Cannon, Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 57. Back |
60 | Mr C Macphee, Brisbane Airport, Transcript of evidence, 21 November 2007, p. 12. Back |
61 | Mr C Macphee, Brisbane Airport, Transcript of evidence, 21 November 2007, p. 12. Back |
62 | Mr P Noonan, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Transcript of evidence, 1 December 2006, p. 40. Back |
63 | Mr P Noonan, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Transcript of evidence, 1 December 2006, p. 39. Back |
64 | Mr P Noonan, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Transcript of evidence, 1 December 2006 , p. 40. Back |
65 | Department of Transport and Regional Services, Submission no. 29. Back |
66 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, pp. 41-42. Back |
67 | Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 53. Back |
68 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tourism satellite account, cat. no. 5249.0, ABS, Canberra, 2006. Back |
69 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fifth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, pp. 34-35. Back |
70 | Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, pp. 19-38. Back |
71 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Australian government response to the national tourism emerging markets strategy report and the national tourism investment strategy report, DITR, January 2007, p. 3. Back |
72 | Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 13. Back |
73 | Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 13. Back |
74 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fourth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, pp. 9-11. Back |
75 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fourth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, p. 40. Back |
76 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 20. Back |
77 | Tourism Forecasting Committee, Forecast: The fourth release from the Tourism Forecasting Committee, Tourism Australia, 2006, pp. 9-11. Back |
78 | Emerging Markets Consultative Group, Investing in today for tomorrow, national tourism emerging markets strategy: China and India, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, December 2005, p. 16. Back |
79 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Niche tourism markets overview, DITR, Canberra, 7 February 2007, viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.industry.gov.au/content/itrinternet/cmscontent.cfm?objectID=F294F506-96C7-EC89-7E8ED5CAD0751824>. Back |
80 | Australian Hotels Association, Submission no. 16, p. 11. Back |
81 | Mr M Cannon, Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007 ,, p. 66. Back |
82 | Tourism Australia, Submission no. 41, p. 8. Back |
83 | Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, The case for holding your next corporate meeting in Australia, AACB, Sydney, 2007, viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.aacb.org.au/page/the_case_for_braustralia.html>. Back |
84 | Australian Hotels Association, Submission no. 16, p. 11. Back |
85 | Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Submission no. 43, p. 1. Back |
86 | Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Submission no. 43, p. 1. Back |
87 | Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Submission no. 21, p. 16. Back |
88 | Mr M Cannon, Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007 , p. 65. Back |
89 | Mr M Cannon, Australian Association of Convention Bureaux, Transcript of evidence, 115 November 2007, pp. 65-66. Back |
90 | Mr M Hingerty, Australian Tourism Export Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 16. Back |
91 | Australian Tourism Export Council, Submission no. 3, p. 19. Back |
92 | Service Industry Research Centre, Submission no. 13, p. 3. Back |
93 | Service Industry Research Centre, Submission no. 13, pp. 3-4. Back |
94 | Mr B Wilson, Australian Health Export Industry Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007 ,, p. 17. Back |
95 | Mr B Wilson, Australian Health Export Industry Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007 ,, p. 18. Back |
96 | Mr B Wilson, Australian Health Export Industry Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007 ,, p. 18. Back |
97 | Mr J Fitzgibbon, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 19. Back |
98 | Mr B Wilson, Australian Health Export Industry Council, Transcript of evidence, 15 November 2007, p. 18. Back |
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