Chinese tourist numbers continue to increase for Australia.

The Mining Industry boom in Australia is not the only industry benefiting from the burgeoning economy in China. Our tourism industry, which has already seen an increase in tourist numbers from out giant Asian neighbour, is set to enjoy theses increases into the future, but we will have to lift our game if we are to compete with our friends across the Indian Ocean in Africa. The increase in Chinese tourists going into Africa last year experienced the largest increase of all the major tourist destinations including Australia, Europe and America. Our high dollar would probably be a major contributing factor but a survey (Below) shows that we would do well to concentrate on our unique tourist experiences and destination with a liberal dose of shopping thrown in, however perhaps shopping for uniquely Australian products.

The number of Chinese citizens travelling overseas reached 70.3 million in 2011, an increaseof 22 percent from the previous year, according to statistics issued by the National TourismAdministration, CRI reported Thursday.

In 2011, the number of Chinese citizens visiting America, Europe, Australia and Africa accounted for one third of overseas tourists. The number of people visiting Africa increased by40 percent, according to the report.

Shopping is the main reason Chinese people travel. A survey shows one in three tourists fromthe mainland thought the cost of shopping was their highest expenditure. Data shows duringthe 7-day National holidays in 2011, Chinese mainland tourists spent three times the amount of money on luxury goods to the domestic market in three months.

But Chinese visitors are less satisfied with the services at their destinations than last year,saying tourism agencies and companies pay too much on consumption and ignore real tourist experiences.

In addition, the report estimates more than 78 million Chinese citizens will travel abroad in 2012and the travel market is expected to hit $80 billion, 16 percent higher than 2011. … Source: China Daily