China is forecast to become Australia’s largest inbound tourism

China is forecast to become Australias largest inbound tourism market within seven years and its largest trading partner. To build this trade relationship, Austrades event Celebrate Australia in Shanghai gets underway Saturday, 21st October.

Austrades Shanghai-based Senior Trade Commissioner, Christopher Wright said one of Celebrate Australias aims (from 21-31 October) is to increase awareness of what Australia has to offer in terms of travel, fashion, entertainment, food and beverages, business and education.

"Tourism Australia and Qantas will have a booth in Xintiandi-Shanghai with information about exciting tour packages. In addition, there will be activities like an Aussie style Open House featuring all things Australian, fashion parades and entertainment," Mr Wright said.

General Manager of Qantas Airways in China, Nick McGlynn said the Chinese tourism market is predicted to continue to grow over the next 20 years.

"By 2013 Australia expects to welcome one million Chinese visitors a year, making China the single largest tourism market for Australia," Mr McGlynn said.

Currently operating non-stop flights from Shanghai and Beijing from Sydney, Qantas operates A330-300 aircraft on the China route and has Chinese speaking cabin crew plus a mix of Chinese and Western meals on board to meet the demand of Chinese customers.

Tourism Australias Chairman, Tim Fischer said Australia is positioned in China as a destination that is valued by visitors for the quality of the experience.

"Our aim is to attract more Chinese travellers to indulge in some of the unique holiday experiences Australia can offer," Mr Fischer said.

According to Austrades Chief Economist Tim Harcourt, China is beginning to play the role that Japan did in the past as a major source of tourists for Australia.

"Is a result of rising disposal income in the coastal regions of China - in the bustling richer cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou - many urban Chinese are now coming to Australia. And theyre cashed up too," Mr Harcourt said. "Not only are the numbers strong, but the average expenditure by Chinese visitors is greater than their American, British or other East Asian counterparts. This augurs well for future Australian tourism exports as more citizens share in Chinas economic prosperity."

"There are also benefits for outbound Australian tourism exporters. Many Chinese citizens are taking part in domestic tourism within China itself. This is opening up export opportunities for tourism infrastructure, tourism training and management from Australia. For instance, the Oceanis 21 aquarium development in Shanghai is a good example of a Melbourne based company benefiting from the boom in domestic tourism in China," he said.

Austrade, the Australian Governments export promotion agency has organised Celebrate Australia with the support of Qantas Airways, the Australian Alpaca Fleece Limited, Shanghai General Motors, Tourism Australia and the Australian Consul General in Shanghai.

Australian activities in Shanghai during Celebrate Australia include; an Australian food and beverage festival, the Australian Ballets production of Swan Lake, Stretch MK1- modern mime group performances, fashion parades and the Australia China Business Council bi-annual business forum. In addition, visitors will be invited to a house warming with an open house Australian style, where they can experience a taste of Australian lifestyle and innovation. On display in the open house will be quality Australian products, many displayed for the first time in China. The Australian fashion parade at Shanghai Fashion Week represents the grand finale.