The new online visa process for Chinese visitors will eliminate the current lengthy process

A streamlined online visa application process for Chinese visitors will benefit the Australian tourism industry when it is introduced from next year, according to the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAA).

The online process will be a marked improvement on Chinese visitors currently having to fill out a 40-plus page application in English.

AAA chief executive officer Richard Munro, who spoke after the announcement of the online tourist visa applications at the Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra, said the change will enhance Australia’s status as a destination for overseas visitors.

“With the emergence of the Asian middle class as a key target market for Australian tourism - the number of visitors to Australia from China in the 12 months ending August 2012 was up more than 16 per cent on the same period last year,” Mr Munro added of the importance to make it easier for Chinese visitors to come to Australia.

Mr Munro credited the government departments and their minister’s for pursuing the change.