Tourists to gain easier visa access
ONLINE visa applications for Chinese tourists are set to inject extra millions into the economy according to tourism bosses.
The change, which was introduced this week by the Federal Government, will cut red tape and allow tourists to more easily enter the nation and see the Gold Coast.
It comes as tourism leaders, including federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo, visit Shanghai to promote the Gold Coast Suns’ Round 8 AFL match in China.
Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan hailed the change as a major boost for the city .
He said the Gold Coast’s selection as the fourth most popular tourist destination and the top-rated Western city in a poll of 3.6 million Chinese visitors through Ctrip would bolster the economy in coming years.
“This means it will be easier for tourists to come here because they will not have to fill in the paperwork,” he said.
“They will go online, get their visas approved and it is in line with the other things happening.”
Mr Donovan said the city could not rest on its laurels and pushed for new tourist infrastructure including a Hinterland cableway and ASF’s $3 billion resort and casino.
Mr Ciobo, speaking from China, said the city’s future was looking bright.
“We have seen how highly the Chinese aspire to visit the Gold Coast, which is now one of the world’s most preferred destinations for them,” he said.
“What better way to reinforce that bond than through an AFL game.”
Mantra Group chief executive Bob East said the introduction of online visitor visa applications for Chinese nationals was great news.
“The Asian market is the biggest growth prospect for the Gold Coast,” said Mr East.