Victoria’s Chinese visitation stocks are set for another big boost as Beijing Capital Airlines becomes the latest international carrier to fly into Melbourne.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today joined Beijing Capital Airlines’ President and Chief Executive Xu Jun to announce a tri-weekly service between Shenyang, Qingdao and Melbourne would begin later this year.
Beijing Capital Airlines is one of China’s largest carriers, providing domestic and international services with its fleet of 59 Airbus aircraft. The airline’s arrival is another boost for Victoria’s visitor economy and a vote of confidence in our tourism industry.
Victoria’s visitor economy is the envy of the nation, and our significant Chinese visitation is one of the key reasons why.
Visitors from China are drawn to our great events, brilliant wildlife and cosmopolitan culture. More than 530,000 Chinese nationals visited Victoria in the year ending March 2016, providing $2.3 billion in expenditure, and helping support the 200,000 Victorian jobs in the tourism sector.
Chinese visitor expenditure accounts for a third of total visitor expenditure in Victoria, and is more lucrative than our next six markets combined.
Tourism is a key pillar of Victoria’s economy. It’s why the Andrews Labor Government has established Visit Victoria, the state’s world-leading entity charged with keeping us number one for tourism and major events.
More than 33 million people passed through Melbourne Airport in 2015, including 8.7 million international travellers.
The Beijing Capital Airlines tri-weekly service begins in September.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“International visitor expenditure is crucial to Victoria’s prosperity, and our long list of international airlines are our allies in the sky.”
“Beijing Capital Airlines has chosen to fly to Victoria because it knows we are an attractive destination for thousands of Chinese nationals each year.”
“More international visitors means more opportunities for Victorian businesses and more jobs for Victorians.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020