Qantas will begin a direct service between Melbourne and Tokyo by the end of the year, boosting Victoria’s prized Japanese tourism market and creating jobs for locals.
The national carrier’s decision to grow its operations in Victoria is a ringing endorsement of our visitor economy and another sign visitors right around the globe see Victoria as a must-see destination.
The A330-300 daily direct service will carry up to 297 passengers, totalling more than 108,000 seats every year.
Victoria’s visitor economy is the envy of the nation, and our steady stream of visitors from Japan is a key reason why.
In the year ending June 2016 we welcomed more than 53,000 visitors from Japan – a 17 per cent increase on the 12 months prior.
Victoria has something for everyone and the best of everything, and visitors from all over the world are experiencing it for themselves.
They love Victoria, because we have the best sport, arts and cultural events, a world-renowned cosmopolitan culture and the finest food and wine – and that’s just the start.
More than 33 million people passed through Melbourne Airport in the 2015-16 financial year, including 9.2 million international visitors. That’s a 9.5 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
The Qantas Melbourne to Tokyo daily direct service begins in December.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis
“We’re delighted Qantas has decided to expand its Melbourne operations – it’s a vote of confidence in our visitor and business economy and a sign we’re headed in the right direction.”
“Victoria leads the way for tourism in Australia, and the Japanese market is a key reason why. Today’s announcement means thousands of extra visitors to Victoria each year.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020