Australia ready to welcome back Chinese tour groups

Australia is ready and excited to welcome back Chinese group tours, with visa processing for Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme travel recommencing today.

Prior to the pandemic, China was the most valuable inbound traveller market for the Australian visitor economy.

In 2019 Chinese visitors on group tours spent about $581 million in Australia, almost one-third of the total spend in Australia by Chinese holiday makers.

Since borders reopened in March this year, the steady return of international visitors from China has seen it climb back to be our second largest inbound traveller market.

Data shows Chinese visitor arrivals surpassed 50 per cent of pre-pandemic levels for the first time in July when Australia welcomed 79,040 visitors.

Tourism Australia’s global Come and Say G’day campaign launched in China in June to encourage more Chinese travellers to plan and book an Australian holiday.

The resumption of the ADS scheme will provide a further boost to Australia’s visitor economy as it continues to recover strongly.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“The resumption of Chinese group tour travel will provide another welcome boost for Australia’s hard-working tourism operators.”

“The Government has worked with industry to ensure we are well positioned to welcome back Chinese group tours, including putting in place the relevant agreements between both governments and industry for ADS visa processing.”

“We look forward to welcoming more Chinese travellers to Come and Say G’day and experience the stunning scenery and world-class tourism experiences Australia has to offer.”