Australia has seen a rise in the number of visitors from China during the first month of the year.
Australia has seen a rise in the number of visitors from China during the first month of the year.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that there has been a 63 per cent increase in those taking flights to Australia from China compared to January 2009.
There has also been a 26 per cent increase in travellers from Hong Kong and a 25 per cent rise in visitors coming from Malaysia.
Martin Ferguson, minister for tourism, confirmed that the increase in travellers was in part to the introduction of extra flights to Australia from China and vice-versa. It has also been confirmed that caps on flights between the two countries have also been eased.
He added that the ongoing work in Queensland to ensure that the region does not lose out on vital income from tourists following the recent flooding incident.
“Wherever there are potential visitors thinking of deferring a trip to Queensland because of the damage, the clear message is that most of the state’s attractions were either unaffected or have recovered very quickly,” said Mr Ferguson.
Written by Nicholas Scott.