The latest trade data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed that tourism-related services exports rose a seasonally adjusted 3 per cent to $3.8 billion in December, during which weak commodity prices meant overall exports fell 5 per cent to $25.2 billion.
Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the Australian Chamber, said: "The data is clear: tourism is the hero among Australian exporters. Even as other sectors are struggling to cope with subdued global demand, our tourism operators are attracting visitors from across the world.
"That means more jobs in Australia and a positive impact on our balance of trade. The result is a great credit to the Government, particularly Tourism Australia, for its hard work.
"Last month we learned that Australia attracted 1 million Chinese visitors to Australia in a year, the first time this has happened. This shows we are seeing the benefits of previous reforms, including streamlining visa processes for our highest-value tourism markets.
"But we can do more to attract visitors. Programs to promote Australia as a destination in China, India and Indonesia, as well as accelerating reforms to visa and entry processes, will make Australia an even more popular destination.
"We cannot afford to be complacent because our international competitors are constantly seeking to attract the tourists we want to welcome to Australia."
Steve Whan, Manager of the National Tourism Council, said: "The current value of the Australian dollar makes Australia a more affordable destination – but the dollar won’t always be this low and our competitors are constantly improving their offerings to visitors.
"France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand all offer waived, simplified or reduced-cost visas for Chinese visitors. Canada, the United States and Singapore offer 10-year multiple entry visas at less than a quarter of the cost of the new Australian offering.
"We must increase the pace of visa reform. The Government started an online visa trial for Chinese visitors in December 2014; it needs to rapidly extend that from a trial to a full system.
"The Turnbull Government has shown that tourism is a high priority by appointing a strongly committed Tourism Minister. Australian tourism looks forward to seeing this commitment reflected in the federal budget.
"There is no doubt the Government has runs on the board, but to stay ahead of our rivals we need to continue visa reform."
