New Jetstar Hong Kong low-cost carrier further proves Asia is the key to Queensland’s tourism future

The Qantas Group's announcement that it will launch a new Jetstar low-cost carrier out of Hong Kong with China Eastern Airlines is further proof that Asia is a major key to the future of Queensland's tourism industry, Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said today.

Mr Hayes said the announcement by the Qantas Group was fantastic news for the state's tourism industry given Asia had the greatest tourism growth potential for Queensland, particularly China which continued to experience an increase in visitors.

"I understand that subject to regulatory approval, Jetstar Hong Kong will service short-haul routes in Asia from 2013 including Greater China, Japan, South Korea and South East Asia," Mr Hayes said.

"These markets are important to Queensland and it's great news that there will be more options for travellers to fly within Asia on Jetstar Hong Kong and catch a connecting flight to Queensland directly or via another Australian gateway."

Mr Hayes said in 2011 Queensland had welcomed over 680,000 Asian tourists.

"This is 36 percent of all international visitors to Queensland," he said.

"Asian tourists spent $1.5 billion while on their trips to the state.

"Some of our Asian markets are growing steadily, particularly China, and it's important that initiatives like these continue to take place to capture a bigger slice of the international tourism pie."

www.tq.com.au