Currency exchange rates are the main concern for tourism operators, according to a new survey.
The level of the exchange rate failing to depreciate as much against those of key inbound markets such as New Zealand, Europe and the UK despite being lower against the greenback, continues to rate as the biggest concern for Australian tourism operators, a MasterCard survey has found.
The survey released by Tourism & Transport Forum and MasterCard found the fluctuating dollar concerns to be ahead of other issues including access to labour with 1 in 5 respondents nominating skilled (26%) and unskilled labour (21%) as one of their top three impediments.
“While a cheaper Aussie Dollar is generally good news for Australia’s tourism, the industry remains concerned about the negative impact of the currency exchange rates on their business,” TTF ceo Margy Osmond said.
“This is most likely the result of the currency not depreciating by as much against the currencies of key tourism source markets such as New Zealand, the UK and Europe.”
Other issues highlighted included softer domestic outcomes offset by strong international results, taxes, tourist’s charges and Australia’s reputation as a desirable tourism destination.
“With intense competition for international visitors, we need to work hard to cement Australia’s status as a great destination through consistent and well-funded marketing campaigns,” Osmond said.
“We also need to address the taxes and charges on tourists which harm Australia’s appeal with international visitors and act as a handbrake on an industry with huge job-creating potential.”
“Tourism has been identified as an industry with the potential to boost our national economy, create jobs and grow prosperity, so it’s important these issues are addressed.”
Osmond’s comments come following April’s ABS statistics released this week which revealed short-term inbound visitors to Australia increased 4.8%, but Aussies heading overseas dropped 5.6%.
A copy of the latest survey can be found here.
