This week’s announcement that Korean Air will commence direct flights to Melbourne will boost Victoria’s tourism industry.

From October 22, there will be three flights per week from Seoul directly into Tullamarine.

"Direct flights will allow the Victorian tourism sector to directly tap the Korean market", says VTIC Chairman, Jeremy Johnson.

Korea is one of Australia's biggest tourism markets with forecasts predicting a 65 per cent increase by 2016 to 71,000 Korean visitors a year. Last year alone, Melbourne hosted 43,000 Korean visitors, over 45 per cent more than the previous year.

The announcement comes a week after Transport Minister Mark Vaile announced a deal had been reached with the Korean Government to allow up to 8500 seats each way a week between Korea and Australia.

"We congratulate both the Victorian and Federal Governments for their role in facilitating these direct flights", says Mr Johnson.

Background - what is VTIC

The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry. 

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