Despite the Australian dollar dipping to a low 85 cents this morning, its lowest in four years, it hasn't stopped Aussies from travelling overseas at twice the rate foreigners are coming down under.
According to a report in the Herald Sun, September departures averaged 30,000 compared with 17,000 short-term arrivals.
While Bali remained as the top holiday destination for Australians taking the chunk at 12% of departures, USA, New Zealand, UK and Thailand rounded off the top 5.
New Zealand was the biggest source market for international arrivals with some 3770 Kiwis arriving every day in September, according to the paper.
While travellers from China also spiked at 2000 tourists a day for September, up 7.3%, it shows a dip in total annual growth which has dropped to 10.5% calling for tourist visa reforms.
“This is another indication that Australia is missing out on Chinese visitors, with the national China Tourism Academy estimating that outbound travel by Chinese tourists will grow by 20% this year,” TTF chief executive officer, Margy Osmond said.
“While Australia is getting 10.5% growth, our rivals are doing much better, with Chinese visitors to the US up 23% and to Canada up 30% in 2014.
“These countries are among those which have made it easier for Chinese tourists to visit by streamlining their visa application processes.
“Australia’s outdated visa process for China means we are being left behind as our rivals move to improve their competitiveness by modernising their approach.
“For example Malaysians wanting to visit Australia can apply for a visa online, pay $20 and receive almost immediate approval.
“But Chinese visitors must fill in a complex form on paper, pay $130, provide significant documentary evidence and wait three weeks to find out if their application has been successful.
“Australia needs to reform its visa processing to ensure we are not placing unnecessary barriers in front of legitimate visitors wanting to come here.
“Unless we do that, we risk continuing to lose market share to countries which have recognised the opportunity the Chinese travel market represents and have taken steps to prioritise growth from that market,” Osmond said.
