Chinese visitation to Victoria is set to surge again as Xiamen Air arrives at Melbourne Airport for the first time.
Today, Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis was on the tarmac to watch a water cannon welcome for the Chinese carrier, which will operate a twice-weekly non-stop service between Melbourne and Xiamen.
The new service, secured by the Andrews Labor Government, is a vote of confidence in Victoria and another boost to the state’s Chinese visitation stocks.
The B787 aircraft signals the arrival of the 30th international airline to Melbourne.
Victoria’s visitor economy is the envy of the nation, and our steady stream of Chinese visitors plays a key role.
Some 532,000 Chinese nationals visited Victoria in the year ending March 2016, providing valuable opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, shops and other small businesses.
Chinese visitor expenditure now accounts for a third of total visitor expenditure in Victoria, and is larger than the state’s next six markets combined.
Tourism keeps Victoria’s economy strong. That’s why the Labor Government is embarking on the biggest shakeup of the sector in decades.
Today marks the launch of Visit Victoria, the new world-leading entity charged with keeping us number one for tourism and major events.
More than 33 million people passed through the Melbourne Airport terminals in 2015, including 8.7 million international travellers.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis
“Xiamen Air’s arrival in Melbourne is another vote of confidence in Victoria’s tourism industry and a big win for the economy.”
“Victoria’s visitor economy is a key growth market for our future prosperity and the Andrews Labor Government is working hard to attract more airlines to our great state.”
“Ultimately, more international visitors here means more opportunities for our local businesses and jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020