Portfolio Media

Too many Australians taking Rudd’s Lead: all heading overseas

12 January 2010

The Rudd Labor Government must encourage more Australians to holiday at home, says Shadow Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo.

Mr Ciobo’s comment came after figures out today showed more and more Australians were choosing to travel overseas rather than spend their much-needed holiday dollars at home.

Official stats show the number of Australians holidaying overseas soared by 20 per cent in November compared with November 2008.

“Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson has presided over a complete turnaround in domestic tourism numbers, despite all his noises about boosting domestic tourism,” Mr Ciobo said.

“International visitors in November 2008 exceeded departures by 39,800, so we’ve basically seen a negative turnaround of 75,200 visitors (for November) in just one year.

“These figures are part of a general trend, are of great concern and are evidence Minister Ferguson continues to fail the industry.

“Already we have seen around 30,000 jobs axed in the tourism sector on the watch of Minister Ferguson who is clearly too busy with his other portfolios to focus on tourism. This industry cannot afford to lose any more jobs,” Mr Ciobo said.

Mr Ciobo said the figures were also proof the Rudd cashsplash had not buoyed domestic tourism as spruiked by the Labor Government.

“Australians have clearly taken their $900 Rudd sugar-hits and spent them in the beach bars of Bali and the markets of Hanoi - that is money that could and should be flowing into the tills of Australian tourism operators,” Mr Ciobo said.

Mr Ciobo said it was imperative the Rudd Government sat down with the industry and began renewed and aggressive marketing promotion of Australia to the world, particularly in markets with increased flight capacity to Australia.

“If the Rudd Government wants Australia to be a net importer of tourism, not an exporter, it must capitalise on the increased flight capacity and promote Australia to lure more visitors here.”