More direct flights from China to Brisbane bringing $22m in tourism
China Eastern Airlines has signed an agreement with the Queensland government to bring another 36,500 travellers to Brisbane annually, bringing with it around $22m in tourism dollars every year.  This follows the recent announcement that China Eastern is to start a seasonal service between Shanghai and Cairns.  Tourism Research Australia predicts China will overtake New Zealand as the dominant tourism market for the nation in the next five years.  

The government has claimed a tourism victory, with an agreement signed with a Chinese airline set to bring another 36,500 travellers to the state annually from late next year.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones secured a memorandum of understanding with China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday night, following Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's meeting with executives during her October trade mission.

Tourism Research Australia predicts that China will overtake New Zealand as the dominant tourism market for the nation in the next five years. Credit: AP

Ms Palaszczuk said the agreement will bring another three Shanghai-Brisbane direct flights from November next year, which she said would net the state $22 million in tourism dollars each year.