AUSTRALIA is holding its arms wide open to Chinese tourists with a freshly announced 10-year, multiple-entry visitor visa that went into pilot testing as of yesterday.
The new visa is part of a landmark free trade agreement between China and Australia signed yesterday, which opened the latter’s doors to more business, as tariffs were dismantled, and also more tourists.
Andrew Robb, Australia’s minister for trade and investment, said in a government statement: “Chinese travellers are growing exponentially and it is estimated that by 2020, more than 200 million Chinese people will be travelling to destinations including Australia.
“Increased visitor numbers in Australia translate into significant benefits for Australians and our economy. China is our largest source of tourism, already worth over A$5 billion (US$3.9 billion) to the Australian economy.”
Assistant minister for immigration and border protection, Michaela Cash, said the Australian government “continues to progress the roll-out of online visa lodgements for Chinese nationals” to reduce red tape while ensuring the visa programme remains effective.
“It is essential that Australia remains at the cutting edge of innovation and is competitive in attracting tourists from our region – we must not forget that here is immense competition from other destinations,” said Cash.
Meanwhile, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia’s CEO, Margy Osmond, has cheered the new 10-year multiple-entry visa for Chinese nationals as a major breakthrough for Australia’s tourism industry.
