With its beautiful white sandy beaches, cuddly marsupials and world-class cities, Australia is firmly entrenched as a top tourist destination. For the year ending January 2018 over 8.8 million visitors came here, and government forecasts suggest the numbers will double over the next ten years.
This does provide a great investment opportunity, and I would look at buying the following shares to benefit from the growth in tourism to our shores.
Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD)
The gateway to Australia and a monopoly until the Badgery Creek airport opens in 2026. More tourists arrive through Sydney airport than any other entry point, and the company makes money not just in aeronautical fees but in retailing, parking and more recently through the addition of hotels.
Experience Co Ltd (ASX: EXP)
A minnow compared to Sydney Airport but Experience Co, formerly known as the 'Skydive the Beach Group' is focussed on buying and running tourism assets across of Australia. Holidays are becoming increasingly focussed on activities and Experience Co has them by the boatload.
Originally the company focussed on tandem skydiving but has now added new attractions such as Great Barrier Reef helicopter flights, hot air ballooning and white water rafting. On April 3rd it further won the tender to run accommodation and activities on Dunk Island.
Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD)
In the news for all the wrong reasons in 2016 due to the terrible Dreamworld accident, Ardent has begun to recover, with attendances at its theme parks increasing over 30% last year.
Tourists flock to the Gold Coast when they visit Australia, and Ardent will be a prime beneficiary of increased inbound tourism, as well as domestic visitors. With redevelopment plans including new attractions and possible onsite hotels, the business is well placed to increase its revenues.
