Qld: Tourism numbers down, worse to come

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2008
Qld: Tourism numbers down, worse to come

Tourism representatives say the Australian industry was already suffering before the
global financial crisis .. and operators are bracing for a further downturn next year.

According to the latest National Visitor Survey .. the number of domestic visitors
in Australia was down 4.2 per cent over the September quarter .. compared to the same
period last year.

Peak industry group TTF Australia says the results are in line with a four per cent
drop in visitors over the past 12 months.

But TTF executive director OLIVIA WIRTH fears the global financial crisis will contribute
to a further drop in visitors next year.

However she hopes a drop in prices across the board will attract holidaymakers and
has urged Australians to take advantage of their annual leave.

AAP RTV ews/pjo/af

KEYWORD: TOURISM VISITORS (BRISBANE)

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