About Australia's engagement with China
How is RET involved?
More information
About Australia's engagement with China
China is Australia's largest inbound market by value, generating $3.8 billion in tourism export receipts in 2011–12.
China has overtaken the United Kindom to become Australia's second largest inbound tourism market by arrivals, with over 570 000 arrivals in 2011–12.
How is RET involved?
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) works in a range of ways to enhance Australia's bilateral tourism relationship with China.
Tourism 2020
Tourism 2020 provides industry with the tools to take advantage of the opportunities that Asia presents, including targeted strategies and campaigns to convert new business in growing markets, particularly China and India. Over the 2010-20 period, Asia is expected to contribute more than half of the projected growth in international visitors to Australia with 42 per cent of that growth expected to come from China.
China Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme
The China Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme underpins the Chinese inbound tourism market continues to be a priority for the department in 2012–13. The government provided $4.1 million over four years in the 2010–11 Budget to extend the China ADS scheme until June 2014.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
During her visit to China in April 2011, the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening tourism cooperation with China. This agreement builds on the China ADS scheme by encouraging further cooperation for travel between the two countries for individuals, companies and students. As a result, the visa process for Chinese travellers will be streamlined, making it more attractive for them to holiday in Australia.
Australia–China Tourism Summit
The Australia–China Tourism Summit held in Cairns from 7 to 9 June 2011 reinforced the importance of the Australia–China tourism relationship and produced valuable outcomes to strengthen further Australia's position in the growing Chinese travel market.
Welcoming Chinese Visitors Project
The Welcoming Chinese Visitors Project was officially launched by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP on 12 December 2012 at the China Tourism Industry Forum held at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. The Project aims to develop a range of Chinese cultural awareness and export readiness training for the Australian tourism industry.
Related documents
More information
For more information about Australia's engagement with China, contact the Tourism Division on (02) 6243 7395.