The Busselton Jetty is a major draw card for Chinese tourists who visit WA, according to a new report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.
The report titled ‘Are we China-ready?: Chinese tourism in WA’ identified a triangle with Perth at the centre and points extending to iconic WA landmarks such as the Pinnacles, Wave Rock and the jetty.
Curtin University associate professor Jianhong Xia said the report used spatial mapping which revealed a distinct patter where Chinese visitors travelled in WA.
Ms Xia said the report highlighted areas where WA could focus on increasing tourism infrastructure and transport links.
“Our analysis showed 75 per cent of Chinese visitors to WA are aged 20 to 40 years, and we know these travellers are generally looking to purchase luxury goods,” she said.
“In fact, Chinese visitors spend an average almost $500 per night when they stay in Australia.
“Visitors that we surveyed said they often filled their days with day trips away from Perth and expected to spend the early evening shopping before eating out for dinner.”
Cutin’s Faculty of Business and Law dean of research professor Kirsten Holmes said the report recommended tourism operators made their products China ready to appeal to the growing market.
“Feedback from Chinese visitors suggests the tourism industry itself may not be doing enough to encourage Chinese tourism, and to make them feel more welcome when they arrived,” she said.
Shadow tourism minister Libby Mettam said part of WA’s appeal to Chinese visitors was Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world. it’s safe and has natural scenic beauty.
