ATEC welcomes free trade agreement's 10 year China visa

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ATEC welcomes free trade agreement’s 10 year China visa

June 18, 2015

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) sees that a new 10 year, multiple entry visa for Chinese visitors will be a major bonus in helping Australian tourism gain greater share of this growing international visitor market.

Announced as part of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley explained that “the signing of this agreement will give Chinese visitors an even greater impetus to visit Australia and the decision to introduce these ten year visas will bring us in line with other competitor countries including the United States, Canada and Singapore.

“These changes align us with the new paradigm of international travel where visa processes are becoming more streamlined and consumer friendly, enabling Australia to compete for increased market share of the international tourism dollar.

“Visa reform is a vital element of Australia’s competitiveness and, with the number of Chinese international travellers set to rise dramatically over coming years, we need to remove any unnecessary barriers to travel to remain competitive and continue to grow our opportunities within this lucrative market.

“ATEC has taken a leading role in advocating for a visa system that improves access from the Chinese visitor market and removes the current barriers.

“We congratulate Federal Ministers Dutton and Robb on supporting Australia’s $30 billion tourism export industry through this progressive initiative.

“With Chinese visitors spending around $5.4billion in Australia each year, and a doubling of China visitors expected over the next five years, this initiative puts Australian back in the game as both an appealing destination and as having a friendly and welcoming visa arrangement which is sure to auger well into the future."

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