Second China flight a boon

THE announcement today of a second direct flight from mainland China to Cairns by Hainan Airlines is expected to be the start of more.

As soon as one made a move it was anticipated there would be others.

The first deal was with China Southern Airlines in June for three-aweek flights.

Now two months later Hainan has signed on the dotted line.

It’s predicted others will follow as cashed up Chinese holidaymakers whet their appetites with Australia high on their wish list, particularly the Great Barrier Reef.

There is no doubt that the Chinese want to come here.

They are our biggest source of tourists but we need to make it easier and faster for them to fly to the tropical north instead of via southern ports or otherAsian hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

The State Government’s Connecting with Asia fund has been a key factor by providing incentives for the carriers to make the decision to invest in expensive aircraft, fuel, crews and other costs.

There has been a lot of work by Cairns Airport, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland to secure the China flights.

Both services start in December and will operate through the lucrative Chinese New Year season in February and beyond.

They will be welcomed by the region’s tourism industry after this year’s disastrous Chinese New Year when seasonal services were cancelled.

We can expect far more Chinese visitors than we currently attract, about 218,000 a year.

The second flight is a great boost. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au