AS Chinese tourism booms to visa-free countries in Southeast Asia, Australia is losing out, with more cost-conscious Chinese mainland travelers also choosing cheaper destinations closer to home, according to tour operators and industry data. Once a magnet for Chinese holiday-makers, Australia’s tourism industry is getting squeezed by visa demands at a time when Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have waived such requirements and as mainland consumers tighten their belts. Johnny Nee, director at Easy Going Travel Services Pty Ltd. in Perth, Western Australia, said his business only recovered to 40% of pre-COVID levels over Lunar New Year earlier this month even as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia saw visitor numbers and spending exceed pre-COVID levels. “Given Chinese tourists are rather price conscious, this means they would prefer somewhere that is easier to get to and the traveling experience ... is not too bad either,” said Nee, whose company also provides group tours for Chinese. Costs for travelers, including some flights and accommodation, had risen 20% over pre-COVID levels, he added. “The visa-free policies from Thailand and Singapore are quite appealing and I personally do think it has helped divert some Chinese tourists away from Australia.” Chinese holiday-makers made up around 26% of visitors over the Lunar New Year period to Australia, compared with more than 50% in pre-COVID 2019, the Australian Tourism Export Council said. (SD-Agencies) | 