Increasing Importance of the Less Developed World as a Destination for Inbound Tourism

In the 20th century, the demand for international tourism has shown a significance growth. Australia may, for example, be among those countries which have had the biggest improvement of tourism. The number of international visitors to Australia increased rapidly between 1980s and 1990s, and furthermore, the improvement of tourism in Australia showed a more significance growth between 1985 and 1996 that the number rose from 1 142 600 to 4 164 800 (Faulkner & Walmsley 1998, pp. 91-94).
Although New Zealand and Japan are the biggest markets for the Australian inbound tourism, less developed countries have been increasingly important for Australia in the 20th century (Mercer 2000, pp. 1-4). For instance, China and South America, which are relatively new markets for Australian tourism, have contributed to significant part of the growths of Australian inbound tourism (Mickelburgh 2001, p. 48). China may, however, be of the biggest importance, compared to those less developed countries which have become new destinations for Australian inbound tourism. It is predicted by Australia Tourism Office that 'China will become the biggest market of Australia in Asia' (Asiainfo Daily China News 4 April. 2001, p. 1). …