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75% of Australians believe that the time taken, cost and difficulty of gaining a visitor visa to Australia affects the countries competitiveness in international markets such as China and India a Tourism and Transport Forum survey conducted with Nielsen has revealed today.

In Australia, the average length of time to process a visitor visa is seventeen days or more, while in France, the average is two days and in Japan, the average is seven days.

“Unless we can begin to expedite these processes we will lose critical visitor market share,” TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said.

“People expect a timely turnaround in terms of holiday and working holiday visa applications and Australia is lagging behind key competitors, and the ramifications will inevitably come back to haunt us.”

As the cream of Australia’s tourism industry gathered at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel for TTF’s Outlook 2019, Margy Osmond said “ this week we are entering a fresh era in politics and today we are celebrating all aspects of tourism with the annual Outlook Conference.

“These events are the perfect platform to remind our government about the importance of tourism.”

57% of Australian also believe more money is needed to promote Australia overseas  to ensure we can maintain and  grow its share of international visitors.

While 86% of Australian’s believe the Government should invest more in innovation in transport and infrastructure and services

“Australia’s growing population and enormous growth potential in tourism numbers mean we need sensible planning and forward thinking on transport matters and necessary infrastructure that supports the industry,” Ms Osmond said. 

For further information or interview please contact Anna Wallin, TTF Media and Communications Manager on 0408 832 999 or email awallin@ttf.org.au