Complicated visa forms deterring Chinese tourists from visiting Australia

COMPLICATED Australian visa applications are contributing to a decline in Chinese visitors to Australia and causing millions of dollars in potential revenue from Territory tourism.

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COMPLICATED Australian visa applications are contributing to a decline in Chinese visitors and causing millions of dollars in potential revenue from Territory tourism to be lost, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

A new report by TTF reveals a slowdown in arrivals from China and “underscores the need for reform to our visa processing system to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Australia”.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures for September show international arrivals grew 6.0 per cent for the month, with arrivals in the year ending September up 8.2 per cent. Departures by Australians rose just 0.8 per cent for the month, with annual departures up 5.2 per cent.

TTF chief executive officer Margy Osmond said the slowdown in Chinese arrivals is a concern.

“The number of Chinese visitors coming to Australia rose by 7.3 per cent in September, which has seen annual growth drop to 10.5 per cent,” Ms Osmond said.

“This is another indication that Australia is missing out on Chinese visitors, with the national China Tourism Academy estimating that outbound travel by Chinese tourists will grow by 20 per cent this year.

“While Australia is getting 10.5 per cent growth, our rivals are doing much better, with Chinese visitors to the US up 23 per cent and to Canada up 30 per cent in 2014.

“These countries are among those which have made it easier for Chinese tourists to visit by streamlining their visa application processes by moving them online and reducing the time and complexity.

“Australia’s outdated visa process for China means we are being left behind as our rivals move to improve their competitiveness by modernising their approach.

“TTF’s recent paper, Visitor Visa Reform: Reducing the barriers for travel to Australia, shows how Australia compares to key competitors and highlights the disparities.

“For example, Malaysians wanting to visit Australia can apply for a visa online, pay $20 and receive almost immediate approval.

“But Chinese visitors must fill in a complex form on paper, pay $130, provide significant documentary evidence and wait three weeks.

“By contrast to China, Malaysian arrivals rose 24.7 per cent in September, in line with annual growth of 24.1 per cent.

“Australia needs to reform its visa processing to ensure we are not placing unnecessary barriers in front of legitimate visitors wanting to come here.”