News.com.au, October 29, 2006
CULTURAL attractions such as Brisbane's new Millennium Arts Gallery, opening in December, should be a welcome boost in Queensland's bid to attract more tourists from China.
The Gallery of Modern Art's first exhibition will be the 5th Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.
As the only major exhibition in the world that focuses exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia, Australia and the Pacific, it is expected to attract much interest from international visitors.
The opening will come only weeks after Austrade hosted a Celebrate Australia event in Shanghai promoting Aussie entertainment and travel.
Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt said rising disposable income in the Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou regions has resulted in more cashed-up urban Chinese coming to Australia.
"The average expenditure by Chinese visitors is greater than their American, British or other East Asian counterparts," Mr Harcourt said.
He also expected China would soon start to play the role that Japan once did as a major source of tourists for Australia.
And cultural activities are on the list of half of all international visitors to Australia, according to latest research by Tourism Research Australia.
Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said it was heartening that art gallery and other events were popular among younger travellers, especially those in the 15 to 34 age group.
The research showed art galleries and museums attracted 56 per cent of international visitors, while one in four attended a theatre, concert or performance event.
"Whether it's visiting a festival, art gallery or historic building, or experiencing Aboriginal art, craft and cultural displays, these tourists deliver huge opportunities for Australia," Ms Bailey said.
