Australia Resumes Visa Process for Chinese Group Travelers, Boosting Tourism
The Australian Government has recently announced the recommencement of the visa process for Chinese group travelers, signaling a significant boost for the country’s tourism industry. The visa processing for the Approved Destination Status (ADS) travel scheme has resumed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing hope for the recovery of Australia’s tourism sector.
Don Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, expressed his satisfaction with this development, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on Australia’s hard-working tourism operators. The government has collaborated closely with industry stakeholders to ensure a seamless process for welcoming back Chinese group tours. As part of this effort, relevant agreements between both governments and the industry have been implemented to facilitate ADS visa processing.
Australia has always been a popular destination for Chinese tourists, with China historically being the largest source of international visitors to the country. Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that in 2019 alone, Australia welcomed 1.4 million visitors from China. Among these visitors, ADS visa holders spent approximately 581 million Australian dollars (373.3 million U.S. dollars), accounting for nearly one third of the total spent by Chinese tourists.
This positive trend is further supported by recent data released by the ABS, showing a significant increase in the number of short-term arrivals from China in July. July saw a notable surge of 111 percent compared to the previous month, marking the highest monthly figure since Australia’s borders reopened in February 2022. China ranked as the second-largest source of short-term arrivals, following closely behind New Zealand.
It is worth mentioning that China itself has resumed group tours to various overseas destinations, including Japan, Britain, the United States, and now Australia. This move has allowed travel agencies and online tourism service providers in China to resume offering group tours, while relevant services such as airline ticket and hotel booking have also been reinstated.
As Australia continues to rebuild its tourism industry, it eagerly awaits the arrival of more Chinese travelers who are encouraged to explore the country’s stunning scenery and world-class tourism experiences. The resumption of Chinese group tours signifies a positive turning point, boosting tourism revenue and contributing to the recovery of local businesses.
In conclusion, the Australian Government’s decision to recommence the visa process for Chinese group travelers is a major step towards revitalizing the country’s tourism industry. The collaborations between the government, industry, and both nations have played a vital role in ensuring a smooth process, allowing Australian tourism operators to welcome back Chinese tourists. With hope on the horizon, Australia anticipates a steady revival of its tourism sector, inviting more Chinese visitors to come and experience all that the country has to offer.
