Travelers to Australia can apply for 10-year visa

Global Business

Starting next month those planning a trip to Australia will be able to apply for a 10-year multiple entry visa.

Starting next month those planning a trip to Australia will be able to apply for a 10-year multiple entry visa.

The move is part of an effort to improve upon a growing relationship with Australia’s biggest trading partner while capturing an even greater piece of the country’s largest international tourism market.

CCTV’s Greg Navarro reports.

Spend some time at Sydney’s Circular Quay, surrounded by some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks and it’s easy to what captures the economy there for tourism. Last year China’s more than 1 million visitors led Australia’s tourism industry boom.

They not only accounted for more than $6.5 billion in economic activity, but Chinese tourists spent more about $6,000 per visit, compared with an average of $3,600 from international visitors.

Under the new visa, visitors aren’t allowed to work, and can stay for up to three months at a time. And it allows for repeat visits.

Several countries including the U.S. and Canada already offer 10-year multiple entry visas to Chinese tourists. Economists said a similar change for Australia also sends an important message to the country’s biggest trading partner.

Many Australian products are in demand in China from food to wine. And tourism officials say some of the best advertising comes from overseas visitors.

Despite growing international competition, Tourism Australia hopes the new visas, along with an aggressive campaign early next year will capture an even greater slice of the Chinese tourism market.