Australia will offer Chinese tourists a 3-year multiple entry visa in an attempt to catch up to countries such as Indonesia and the United States of America. The United States and Canada currently offer Chinese tourists a 10-year multiple entry visa, whilst those travelling to South Korea and Indonesia do not need a visa at all.
Previously Chinese tourists requesting a 3-year multiple entry visa needed to receive a guarantee from their travel agents. Under the new laws, this will no longer be required. According to government sources, the visa is available and part of an extended trial period.
Almost 790,000 Chinese tourists visited Australia between January to September 2014 and almost half of these tourists were repeat visitors. The Chinese tourists spent close to $5.4 billion, which roughly equals $6,900 spent per tourist. The number of Chinese tourists travelling overseas is expected to double to 200 million by 2020.
It would appear Chinese tourism is definitely playing a big part in stimulating the Australian economy and, to a certain extent, directly employs 1 million Australians.
It remains to be seen what other changes will occur to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Australia and how airports will cope with the increased demand.
