Travellers can not only expect more flights between China and Australia, but access to new gateways as part of a recently signed aviation agreement.
According to Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, the two governments agreed to triple gateway capacity between the Land Down Under and the Middle Kingdom before the end of this year.
The Minister told attendees at the 2016 China Tourism Night in Sydney, that the process of increasing capacity is already underway, with at least three airlines opening up new gateways over the last 12 months.
For example, late last year, Xiamen Airlines gave Aussies access to the country’s southeast coast with direct Xiamen-Sydney flights.
There was also the launch of China Southern’s new Shenzhen-Sydney service in January, while China Southern prepares to kick start Adelaide’s first mainland China flights from December this year.
“In Australia, we’re embracing China like never before.”
Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
Over the last year, the number of Australians travelling to the Middle Kingdom increased to 637,000, while Chinese arrivals to Australia jumped to 1.02 million.
Ciobo says projections indicate Australian visitation to China will jump to above 650,000 by 2025.
He said attributed ongoing growth to increased aviation capacity as well as a bilateral agreement to make 2017 ‘The Australia and China Year of Tourism’ – 12-months of tourism cooperation.
“This bilateral agreement will underpin opportunities to drive tourism numbers like never before.”
Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
Last night’s 2016 China Tourism Night event saw leaders promote the country’s history, attractions and activities along the ‘Yellow River’.
Check back on KarryOn next week fore more information.