Chinese shoppers set top spending records in Australia

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Spending by Chinese tourists in Australia has hit an all-time high reaching 7.75 billion US dollars in the year up until September, a major tourism study said on Tuesday.

China was the second biggest source of international visitors to Australia with 1.33 million people, trailing only behind New Zealand with 1.35 million.

The findings, which illustrate closer trade ties between the two nations, come as a prominent Australian opposition senator announced his departure from his post following allegations of Chinese influence in the nation.

Such claims have been refuted by Chinese authorities, stating that China had no intention of interfering in Australian politics or using financial contributions to curry influence.

The two countries have no historical enmity or conflicts over each others’ basic interests and can absolutely forge good relations, said the People's Daily on Monday.

Expanding ties in trade and tourism have made China Australia's biggest trading partner, buying 70 billion US dollars worth of Australian goods and services last year.

In total, more than eight million tourists visited Australia in the 12-month period, staying a total of 268 million nights in the country and spending a record 31 billion US dollars.

Steve Ciobo, Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said that much of the growth in Australia's tourism sector was being driven by visitors from Asia, including China, India and other countries and regions.

A purchasing agent stocks up on Australian products catering to Chinese consumers who have grown to recognize the quality of Australian brands./ Reuters Photo.‍

"The Turnbull Coalition Government is working to maximize the potential of China -- Australia's fastest growing and most valuable inbound tourism market -- to create new Australian jobs," Ciobo said.

Chinese and Australian officials announced that 2017 is the China-Australia Year of Tourism. An open capacity aviation agreement between Australia and China and significant visa reform have contributed to the 13 percent growth in spending by Chinese visitors.

Eight new aviation routes between the two countries are expected to be opened within the next 12 months.

New South Wales benefited most from international tourism with 7.85 billion US dollars spent in the state, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency