- Published:
- Monday 15 February 2016
Xiamen Air will soon offer international flights in and out of Melbourne, becoming the 30th international airline to fly into Victoria.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said the twice-weekly non-stop service between Melbourne and Xiamen would allow more visitors to explore our amazing attractions and attend our great events.
Victoria is a world leader when it comes to tourism and major events, and China is a key market. Some 456,000 Chinese visitors arrived in Victoria in the year ending September 2015, making China our number one international source market.
Our Chinese visitors will visit regional attractions such as Sovereign Hill and the Phillip Island Nature Park, keep our bars and hotels full, our small businesses busy and our economy strong, creating jobs for Victorians. Chinese visitor expenditure now accounts for a third of international visitor expenditure of all international visitors to Victoria, and is larger than the next six markets combined.
The B787 service is another opportunity for Victoria to strengthen its global appeal as a place to visit. Xiamen Air is China’s sixth-largest carrier, and will become the only airline to provide non-stop flights to Xiamen from Melbourne.
Melbourne Airport is Australia’s second largest, currently home to 28 international airlines. More than 33 million people passed through its terminals last year, including 8.7 million international travellers.
The Andrews Labor Government is working hard to attract new services in and out of Victoria to boost tourism and create jobs. Last year, Victoria welcomed a tri-weekly China Airlines service between Melbourne and Taipei, Scoot commenced a five-times weekly service between Singapore and Melbourne, while Etihad Airways commenced an additional daily service between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi.
The service will commence in July.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Xiamen Air’s decision to operate a service to Melbourne is a ringing endorsement of Victoria and a sign we’re headed in the right direction.”
“With new flights to Melbourne, more people will be able to sample Victoria’s amazing attractions and attend our events, which grows our economy and creates jobs.”
“Victoria’s tourism stocks are strong under the Andrews Labor Government, and we want to grow this important industry further.”