Aviation delegation fighting for more Chinese flights to Cairns

Cairns is in the box seat to secure new flights from China after high level meetings with a China airline this week.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said an aviation delegation travelled to China this week to pursue additional flights to Cairns.

“Last month we announced Cairns will receive the first funding under our $33.5 million Connecting with Asia fund,” Ms Jones said.

“This funding will enable the far north Queensland tourism industry to realise the potential from Asia by partnering with a Chinese airline, travel and media partners to drive additional visitation from our fastest growing tourism market.”

Ms Jones said the aviation delegation that travelled to China this week included Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Airport, Cairns City Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and Tourism Australia.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said tourism was one of the great winners in the Cairns economy.

“We are determined to grow Cairns tourism because we know how important it is to the local economy and to supporting local jobs,” Mr Crawford said.

“Already we have seen a massive 32 percent boom in the number of Chinese choosing to visit Cairns in the last 12 months.

“We have also secured more than 500,000 additional inbound seats to Queensland including Hong Kong Airlines and Jin Air flights to Cairns.”

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