A trip to powder lake north of Geralton (Geraldton): Hutt lagoon (Hutt Lagoon) has become a symbol of economically wealthy Chinese tourists. Compared with mainstream travel destinations such as Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef (Great Barrier Reef), they are more eager to see chic scenery.
Wendy is the managing president and chief pilot of Geralton aircraft Rental Co., Ltd. ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis
The wave of tourists began in 2014 when Wendy Mann (Wendy Mann) of Geralton aircraft rental company (Geraldton Air Charter) hired a Chinese employee to market on Chinese social media such as Weibo and social app.
Her business is the second project in Western Australia to complete the (China Ready) program, which ensures that her services meet China's goverment standards.
In the 12 months of 2014, Ms Mann received only 16 chartered Chinese tourists, but over the past three weeks more than 500 have taken her charter flights for sightseeing.
"they were fascinated by the powdered lake, and they loved the color of the lake. "you can see that pink lakes have become a status symbol in China," she said.
"when you get close to this pink lake, you're really above it, and you can hear the tourists' woo. They like to see this kind of beauty. "
Ms Mann currently employs three Chinese-born, Australian-trained pilots and an interpreter who can ensure that Chinese tourists speak to them in their mother tongue.
Chinese tourists with money but no time
Han Jie, an (Progress Midwest economic development) commissioner for economic development in the central and western regions, moved to Australia from China a decade ago.
Chinese tourists are usually rich but short of time, she said, and are deeply attracted by Australia's simple natural looks.
The picture shows Chinese tourists taking pictures as they fly over powdered lake.
Supplied: Josh Perkins: "We take sunsets for granted, but the Chinese are really attracted to our sunset," she said.
"We can even see the Milky way from the backyard, but it's very difficult for the Chinese. They have never seen any horizon. "
Ms. Han said it was just as important to record the experience with a camera and share it on social media than to enjoy the beauty in person.
"Chinese tourists often want to show off their experience on social app and write, 'have you ever seen a pink lake?' It was a flamboyant capital and a unique experience for them. It's special, and that's why they like it here. "
The picture shows the Hutt lagoon north of Geralton, WA.
(Abrolhos Islands), which sits on the coast of Geralton, is also becoming popular, and tourists are eager to explore more attractions when they go there.
Geralton Tourism Board (Tourism Geraldton) president Scott Kjell (Scott Cogar) said it was a welcome news for an economy suffering from a mining recession.
"people are now starting to re-focus on the best and fastest things we can do. Tourism is really becoming a very important opportunity for the region with an emerging posture, "he said."
"it looks like we are going to get an exponential increase in Chinese tourists this year, and I personally believe the growth in Chinese tourists this year can be four to five times that of last year," he said.
The tourism industry is currently contributing A $150 million a year to the local economy, and Mr. Kjell said he hopes the figure will grow to A $200 million by 2021.
The Australian Tourism Board expects 42 percent of visitors nationwide to come from mainland China, amid signs that Geralton and the Midwest are ready to take advantage of the opportunity.