Tourism Challenges Remain Says Australian Tourist Commission

Following the release today of the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Overseas Arrivals and Departures for September 2002, Australian Tourist Commission Managing Director, Ken Boundy, says the figures show that Australia is 'holding its own' in a difficult operating environment.

Visitor arrivals into Australia for the nine-month period to the end of September 2002 totalled 3.4 million, representing a total decline of 4 per cent compared to the same period for 2001.

"The figures released today are very much a reflection of the events that are taking place around the world and how individual markets are responding to these factors," Mr Boundy said.

"Despite the impact of global events and factors such as the tendency towards short-haul travel, visitor arrivals to Australia are showing trends of improvement with visitor arrivals for September only down by 2 per cent.

"The key challenge for the ATC will be the ability to respond quickly to changing global events by taking a flexible approach to our marketing activities and by being aware of what is happening within the individual markets.

"A core part of the ATC's promotional campaigns will be to reassure travellers that Australia, which is often at the top of the wish list for most overseas tourists, is still one of the world's safest destinations."

Highlights of the report show:

Europe

Visitors from Europe totalled 779,000 for the nine months to 30 September, a decline of 4 per cent.

The United Kingdom has remained resilient with arrivals for the nine-month period totalling 418,200, showing no change from the previous year.

Arrivals from Germany totalled 91,500 for the nine months to the end of September, signifying a decline of 13 per cent.

The Americas

There were an estimated 320,400 visitors from the United States of America for the nine-month period to the end of September 2002, a decline of 6 per cent. 

North Asia

Visitor arrivals from China totalled 139,400 for the nine months to 30 September, an increase of 17 per cent.

There were 132,300 visitors from Korea for the nine-month period, an increase of 6 per cent.

Visitor arrivals from Japan totalled 519,400 for the nine-month period, a decline of 4 per cent.

New Zealand

There were 577,100 visitors from New Zealand for the nine months to the end of September, a 3 per cent decline.