INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL TOURISM
The 2009 International Visitor Survey found that more than half (51%) of all overseas visitors attended at least one cultural attraction while in Australia.
Of the 2.6 million international cultural and heritage visitors in 2009, 16% were from other Asia (Asia excluding China, Japan, Korea and Singapore), 15% were from the United Kingdom and 13% were from New Zealand. The most popular destinations for both international and domestic cultural heritage visitors were New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, however participation in cultural and heritage activities was higher in the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.
Historical or heritage buildings, sites or monuments had the highest rate of attendance by international cultural and heritage visitors (62%), followed by museums or art galleries (57%).
According to Tourism Research Australia's Snapshots 2009 Cultural and Heritage Tourism in Australia, international cultural and heritage visitors spent $16,292m on trips to Australia in 2009. The average amount spent per trip was $6,280 compared to other international visitors who spent on average $3,832. It is likely that this higher spend was due to the longer average length of stay (45 nights compared to other international visitors who spent 23 nights on average).
2.1 OVERSEAS CULTURAL AND HERITAGE VISITORS, By activity type - 2009 |
|
| Percentage
of overseas
cultural and
heritage visitors |
Type of cultural and heritage tourism activity | % |
|
Attend theatre, concerts or other performing arts | 24 |
Visit museums or art galleries | 57 |
Visit art/craft workshops/studios | 17 |
Attend festivals/fairs or cultural events | 22 |
Experience Aboriginal art/craft and cultural displays | 20 |
Visit an Aboriginal site/community | 11 |
Visit historical/heritage buildings, sites or monuments | 62 |
|
Source: Tourism Research Australia 2009, Cultural and Heritage Tourism in Australia, 2009. |