Australia’s former Prime Minister Paul Keating says the industry needs step up with new infrastructure or risk losing the ever important Chinese market.
Speaking at the annual Mantra Group conference at the Peppers Salt Resort in Kingscliff this week, Keating warned the country’s ageing infrastructure will not meet the expectations of the wealthy Chinese tourists, who inject some A$5.7 billion in the economy every year.
“Chinese visitors aren’t going to come here for hotels and resorts built in the 1980s and 1990s.”
The Hon. Paul Keating
Former PM says industry needs to step up. Image: @cmail_biz
While telling the industry to ‘raise the bar’ and ‘life the standard of product’, he talked about the importance of the Chinese market to Australian tourism, but particularly Aussie hoteliers.
According to the former leader, over the next five-seven years Chinese wages will increase, making it easier for them to purchase relatively cheap airfares
This view was backed by fellow speaker, Lisa Ronson Chief Marketing Officer Tourism Australia who said they’re expecting ‘quality tourism experiences’.
Tourism Australia’s Lisa Ronson weighs in on the Chinese market.
“As an industry the exchange rate will only go so far – the big challenge for the industry is maintaining a standard that caters to increasing wealth of the Chinese traveller or they will move on to other things.”
Lisa Ronson, Tourism Australia Chief Marketing Officer
“There will be a need for more investment.”
Mantra Group CEO Bob East also weighed in on the Chinese market, saying the Group is in an unprecedented position to capitalise on the strong Chinese inbound and domestic tourism outlook.
He explained that the company’s brand fits well with the market, particularly Peppers, which has food and experiences aligned with their interests.
Mr East believes the Australian based operator can offer a unique experience compared to international counterparts.
Mantra CEO says hotelier has what it takes to win Chinese tourists.
“Our staff are engaged and committed to offering the best Australian hospitality experience – friendly and efficient but with a relaxed style that Australians are known for. This approach is a natural and intrinsic part of the way we relate to our guests which sets us apart from our competitors.”
Bob East, Mantra Group CEO
Meanwhile, during day two of the conference was all about inspiration with Australian of the Year Rosie Batty joined by Gold Medal Olympian Alisa Camplin and journalist Ellen Fanning joining an in depth women’s panel discussion.
Rosie Batty shared her ongoing campaign to combat domestic violence in the wake of the tragic death of her son Luke saying she preferred to be considered “an advocate than a person to be pitied as there was much work to be done on this issue.”
Day tour saw four top Aussie women discuss life goals and inspiration.
Extraordinarily, Alisa Camplin shared that her Olympic campaign in fact started as a marathon runner before catching the aerial ski bug. She then lead the audience through her rigid training philosophy which she also applies in daily life with some sage advice on goal setting.
Veteran journalist Ellen Fanning focused on an often overlooked but highly important part of communication – listening.
