This morning the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its monthly tourism data which revealed yet another increase in short-term visitor arrivals.
According to the release, Australia welcomed 755,300 short-term arrivals in October, up 6.8% on the prior corresponding period.
Once again the main driver of this growth was tourism from China. The number of arrivals from China increased a massive 20% on the prior corresponding period to 124,900.
This makes the nation the largest contributor to Australian tourism, just ahead of our Kiwi neighbours.
Yet Chinese tourism into Australia pales in comparison to what other countries such as Japan, Thailand, and the United States are experiencing.
I believe this is a sign that the Australian tourism boom still has a significant amount of growth ahead of it. In light of this, I think investors should consider gaining exposure to the boom.
Casino operators and accommodation providers such as Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) and Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) could be great options. Especially considering the love of gambling that many Chinese tourists have.
But not all tourists want to gamble, shop, and lounge by the pool all day. Which could mean adventure company Experience Co Ltd (ASX: EXP) and ferry company Sealink Travel Group Ltd (ASX: SLK) are well positioned to profit from increasing levels of tourism as well.
As could Event Hospitality and Entertainment Ltd (ASX: EVT) and Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) which have theme park and entertainment offerings that cater to families.
And finally, one to watch in 2018 is AuMake International (ASX: AU8). Although I do not believe it is ready to be invested in, I'm interested to see how it performs in 2018. AuMake's business essentially aims to sell Australian made products to daigou resellers and Chinese tourists.
