Australian tourism operators are warned they can't compete with prices offered to visit southeast Asian destinations, and should instead focus on niche markets.
Tourism consultant Tony Charters says Australian industry leaders are too focused on increasing visitor numbers.
Mr Charters says Australia can't compete on price with booming tourism destinations such as Bali and Thailand, and should focus on promoting Australian holidays as unique.
His comments come ahead of an ecotourism conference in far north Queensland next week.
