A Time Series Analysis of Chinese Outbound Tourism to Australia

Economic development and improvement in living standards, as well as political liberation in China have contributed to the growth in international travel demand. Additionally, the supportive role of the Chinese government in outbound tourism development and China’s inclusion in the World Trade Organisation have and will ensure a continuing ease on travel restrictions, and enhance the opportunities for Chinese citizens to travel overseas. Since the implementation of the open door policy in 1982, tourism development in China has experienced rapid growth, making the country the fifth largest international tourism destination in terms of both tourist arrivals and tourism receipt in 2003 (WTO, 2004). In the meantime, China has also become an important international tourism source market, especially for countries in the Asia Pacific region.