China and the United State will play a key role in shoring up visitor numbers to Australia this year amid the global downturn, an Australia's key tourism forum Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) said on Thursday.

"Although the US is facing weakened financial conditions, the TFC (Tourism Forecasting Committee) has actually predicted a one percent increase in arrivals from the US in 2009," QTIC chief Daniel Gschwind said.

According to Gschwind, some markets could still show growth, despite the Tourism Forecasting Committee's prediction of a 4.2 percent fall in overall international arrivals.

"There are mixed predictions from Asia, with Japan predicted to remain one of our most challenging markets. The roll-out of Tourism Australia's new destination marketing campaign in Asia has already generated reports of growth by travel agents in Singapore and Hong Kong," Gschwind was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as said.

The industry has also expressed hope on the weaker Australian dollar, the federal government's latest stimulus package, and the "No Leave, No Life" campaign will boost domestic tourism.

The QTIC is an Australia's State peak body for tourism, which also serves as a non-profit membership organization representing members' interests.