Today's announcement by Qantas that there will be two new Melbourne-Shanghai services per week will have a positive impact on Victoria's tourism industry.
"Qantas deserves recognition for identifying and servicing a new growth market - the new direct flights will help Victorian tourism operators tap into that market", says VTIC Chairman Jeremy Johnson.
"China is a rapidly developing economy with a growing middle class and the number of Chinese visitors is expected to grow to one-fifth of Victoria's tourism market by 2016.
"Melbourne and Victoria provide quality tourism product and experiences that clearly meet the Chinese market's demands and this announcement is a real boost for international tourism into the State from the fastest growing economy in the world.
"Melbourne is a 24 hour curfew free airport with good growth capacity and this decision follows direct flights announcements this year from Qatar Airways, Emirates Airways and Indian Airlines", says Mr Johnson.
Background - what is VTIC
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry. |
