Australia has never been a more popular destination for Chinese holidaymakers. January 2019 was Australia's busiest 12-month visit ever, with 1.46 million people from China. More than half of the tourists - 54% - visit Australia and enjoy what the country provides for holidaymakers, but a considerable number of tourists come to Australia for educational opportunities (18%) and visits to friends and family (18%). More than 1.2 million people living in Australia have Chinese cultural heritage. Two-fifths of them were born in China. No wonder they have strong ties and many friends and family can visit them.
As a result, China is one of the most important markets in Australia's tourism industry, and the country's tourism industry itself is one of the most important industries. The average consumption of Chinese tourists is 9,000 Australian dollars, 75% higher than the average consumption. The average accommodation time of Chinese tourists is 43 nights, which is due to the high proportion of time spent with friends and family and the long visit time.
Australian authorities have been concerned about the reasons for the slowdown in the growth of mainland tourists. Earlier this year, Australia's approved destination plan (ADS) was boosted by A$11.5 billion, which is believed to ensure the safety of Chinese tourists. Tourists can get as high a tourist experience as possible.
In addition, the traffic flow is still very large. The rapid expansion of China Airlines'overseas network and the improvement of the level of aviation services allowed between the two countries have partially contributed to the recent prosperity. The legacy of the past few years is unprecedented for Chinese tourists who want to visit Australia.
In August 2019, 36 routes were operating between the two countries. This is two fewer than in August 2018, five routes have been cancelled and three routes have been increased as airlines are trying new routes and markets. Throughout the month, passengers can choose 1277 direct flights, each with an average of 262 seats. Every day the seats are under 11,000.
However, direct services in China's second largest city surged last year. In the 12 months to August 2017, almost three-quarters of the capacity came from China's three major airports, which grew by 5% in the next few months. By contrast, the capacity of other airports almost doubled in the next 12 months. Today, there are 14 airports in China, with more than a third of the capacity of flights between China and Australia. More than half of China's cities with a population of more than 3 million now have direct air services to Australia. The rest are close enough to cities where these services can be used. For example, residents of Suzhou can take flights from Shanghai and Dongguan can take flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Although services between cities such as Shenzhen and Darwin, as well as services between Chongqing and Melbourne, are typical of new connections, Sydney is undoubtedly the focus of Australian tourism and aviation services. There are regular flights between Sydney and 14 airports in China. Almost half of the seats are for Sydney; almost half of the flights are for Sydney.
Studies by the Australian Tourism Authority show that Chinese like the combination of nature and wildlife, aquatic and coastal areas, and food and wine provided by Australia. No wonder Australia is still the first choice for overseas tourism.