This morning the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its tourism figures for the month of July.
According to the release, Australia welcomed 745,400 short-term visitors in July. This was an increase of 0.6% on June's arrivals and 7.1% higher than July of last year.
The biggest driver of this strong growth was once again the rise of Chinese tourism.
Short-term visitor arrivals from China increased 18% on the prior corresponding period to a seasonally adjusted 126,300.
This could be good news for Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) which has been increasing the number of flights between Australia and China this year.
Elsewhere, the number of short-term visitors from the United States has been growing strongly. Australia welcomed 67,500 American tourists in July, up 12% from this time last year.
How could you profit?
I think this sharp increase in tourist numbers is likely to be a big boost to accommodation providers such as Mantra Group Ltd (ASX: MTR), Event Hospitality and Entertainment Ltd (ASX: EVT), and Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN).
I believe that as more tourists flock to Australia these accommodation providers will see demand for their hotel rooms increase, potentially leading to higher occupancy and room rates.
Another investment idea is the embattled Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD). A substantial increase in international visitors could give its Dreamworld theme park a much needed lift.
Foolish Takeaway
My preference remains Mantra. I believe its locations in key tourist hotspots gives it a real edge. And with its shares changing hands at a reasonable 20x earnings and providing a trailing fully franked 3.5% dividend, I think it provides investors with a mix of value and income.
