Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson

Confirming the importance of reciprocal Chinese and Australian relations on tourism, Australia’s Tourism Minister announced a commitment to strengthen ties between the two countries last night.

At the Australia – China Tourism Summit Opening Gala Dinner in Cairns, Mr Ferguson said that despite the strong relationship between Australia and China, “we cannot rest on our laurels”.

“The China/Australia tourism experience represents unlimited opportunities and it is our responsibility to grab those opportunities for Australia as a nation and in doing so strengthen our ties with our very, very close friend, China.”

Mr Ferguson advised that “practical” strategies to boost travel between China and Australia would be announced throughout the summit.

According to Mr Ferguson, the inaugural Australia – China Tourism Summit is “one piece of the government’s commitment to putting tourism at the forefront.”

Stay tuned to e-Travel Blackboard for more news from the Australia – China Tourism Summit in Cairns.