Chinese tourist numbers to Aus are down alot compared to pre covid. Article cites a hot air balloon operator in Melbourne, Mandy Ho, who blames China "slowing" economy lol.
The article at least mentioned Chinese tourist numbers are up in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand etc but attributes it to Chinese being cheap as these destinations are closer to China plus now they are visa free but not Aus. Never mind that Chinese tourists are traditionally big spenders, probably the biggest among all foreign visitors.
Curiously she never mentioned why Aus isn't one of those many countries which have recent visa free arrangements with China. Nor did she mention the constant demonizing of China in Aus media as a possible reason Chinese are hesitant to visit. Maybe the fact that shitting on your biggest customer isn't a great way to attract them to come did not occur to her.
Anyway, I want to tell her to wake up her ducking idea. Politics is a big reason, Aus landscape is beautiful but it's not unique in the world. Many other places in the world have pretty scenery too lol
