AusLeisure

The Federal Government is encouraging the Australian tourism industry to lift its accessibility and quality to support the increasing number of incoming Chinese visitors to Australia.

In one of his last acts as Federal Minister for Tourism, the now departed Martin Ferguson opened applications for the T-QUAL Strategic Tourism Investment Grant - Servicing Chinese Visitors Project.

The Project aims to ensure Chinese visitors are provided with a range of detailed information about Australia, and have a high quality experience while in Australia.

Minister Ferguson explained that this additional Chinese Market targeted initiative will complement the existing Welcoming Chinese Visitors project, announced in June 2012 to help strengthen the Australian tourism industry's China-readiness.

He explained "China is our largest inbound market in expenditure terms, worth $4.2 billion in 2012.

"The Servicing Chinese Visitors Project will lift standards in Australian services, products and experiences offered to Chinese visitors.

"We are seeking applications from organisations or consortia that can develop, coordinate and deliver a solution to address concerns associated with the quality and supply of Mandarin-speaking tour guides. This will not only help us improve the experience of the Approved Destination Status scheme group visitor, but also improve quality more broadly for Chinese visitors to Australia."

Applicants must develop and submit their concept for a sustainable solution that addresses the need for higher quality tour guides for the Approved Destination Status scheme and the broader China market. Up to $900,000 is available for this for this project, with a requirement for the applicant to provide matching funding.

Applications close on Monday 29th April 2013.

For more information and application details go at www.ret.gov.au/tqual

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