Australian air and seaports need to modernise passenger processing and do away with antiquated systems such as the Incoming Passenger Card according to a new report by the peak body representing Australian businesses engaged with the visitor economy.

The Future Traveller Strategy report by Australian Chamber – Tourism says Australia risks losing its reputation as a desirable destination for overseas tourists, if we don’t improve the passenger experience as they travel through our air and seaports.

Australian Chamber – Tourism executive chair John Hart says the report recommends new and better ways of processing passengers to improve their experience.

“Whilst Australia ranks fifth in the world for travel and tourism competitiveness, we are 53rd for ground and port infrastructure and 112th for price competitiveness out 119 countries,” Mr Hart said.

“The government needs to embrace technology and streamline systems such as abolishing the outdated Incoming Passenger Card, when the passenger information can be provided by travel providers and travel agents.”

Among the other recommendations in the report are:

• Making multiple-entry visas available for key markets.
• Invest in ‘passenger on the move’ technology as an alternative to the SmartGate system.
• Ensure there are appropriate air capacity settings to increase competition and lower costs of airfares.
• Additional resources to allow travellers entering Australia via seaports more expedient processing.

The report also makes recommendations for Australian travellers heading overseas.

These include:

• Additional investment into the Australian Passport Office to enhance the digital pathway for passport applications and renewals.
• Enable additional providers in the travel and tourism supply chain to receive passport applications.

Mr Hart also cites the Tourism Refund Scheme where visitors are refunded local taxes as another area ripe for improvement.

“The Tourist Refund Scheme is a classic example. Other countries now offer refunds of local taxes paid at the point of purchase with a contactless confirmation at the border.

“In contrast, Australia’s system is plagued by long queues at airports and manually-completed refund paperwork,” Mr Hart said.

He also said tourism is too valuable a commodity to risk losing visitors because of outdated passengers screening and processing methods.

“Between inbound and outbound travel, there is a spend of over $100 billion.

“We should back ourselves to grow international tourism and generate return visitation to our great country.”

The full strategy can be accessed by clicking here.