Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 08:14:00 +1000 From: "Coleman, Leanda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: WHERE THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR DOLLAR GOES To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY SMALL BUSINESS AND TOURISM MINISTER JOE HOCKEY Tuesday 16 April 2002 02/052 WHERE THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR DOLLAR GOES The importance of international visitor expenditure in Australia has been highlighted by the results of new research released today by Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey. Show me the money! A market segment approach to spending by international travellers, is the latest research by the Bureau of Tourism Research BTR, and focuses on the expenditure patterns of international visitors to Australia. "This report is very timely and the results will be of use for the Government's 10 year plan for tourism," Minister Hockey said. "The plan will identify opportunities and obstacles to sustainable tourism growth and encourage the building of partnerships between the various sectors of the industry and governments." "The findings of this new report will assist Australian businesses and governments in better targeting their overseas marketing expenditures," Minister Hockey said. Minister Hockey said the research found that international student visitors and international backpackers are the highest spending international market segments in terms of expenditure per visitor. The figures show that on average students spend $11520 and backpackers $6130 on trips to Australia. The research also found that visitors from China, Continental Europe and Canada have the highest expenditure per visitor with $5638, $5540 and $5386 respectively. The market segments with the highest expenditure per night are honeymooners who spend in excess of $500 per night and business visitors and travel package visitors who each spend more than $300 per night. Countries whose visitors have the highest expenditure per night in Australia are Japan ($275), USA ($237) and Germany ($171). Minister Hockey said the main items international visitors spend their money on while holidaying in Australia are food, drink & accommodation, and shopping, which is good news for businesses supplying these goods and services. Copies of the report are available from the Bureau of Tourism Research phone +61 2 6213 6940 or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
