Portfolio Media

Japanese tourism crossroads: Rudd Govt must act now

11 January 2010

Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese must swing into action to mitigate any tourism fallout from the financial troubles plaguing Japan Airlines, says Shadow Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo.

Mr Ciobo said media reports of a possible bankruptcy for the airline were hugely worrying for the tourism industry, particularly for Queensland, the epicentre of Japanese tourism in Australia. Mr Ciobo urged the Rudd Labor Government to act immediately to stem any damage.

“JAL provides regular tourism access into Australia via Sydney and Brisbane. It is vital it maintains these links - whole swathes of the industry are banking on them,” Mr Ciobo said.

“Mr Ferguson and Mr Albanese must make it their number one priority to meet the relevant tourism industry heads to work out a plan of action which could include additional marketing in the Japanese market, or the show of support which the Coalition Government offered in 2007.”

“After a decline in Japanese tourism in recent years, the industry was beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel thanks to increased capacity on the route,” Mr Ciobo said.

It was imperative JAL maintained its existing routes into Australia for two very simple reasons, he said.

“JAL has an extensive and long-established distribution network in Japan making it a trusted player in the market. Secondly, if JAL pulls the pin here, it will reduce competition on the route which would lead to higher prices and, therefore, fewer visitors.”

Mr Ciobo said despite the decline in Japanese tourism in recent years, Japan was still the fourth-largest source of international visitors to Australia, according to latest figures available.

Almost 348,000 Japanese visitors came to Australia and spent almost $1 billion in the year to September, Mr Ciobo said.