Tourism Council WA has welcomed today's announcement that a trial of direct flights between Shanghai and Perth by China Eastern Airlines has been secured for early 2020.
The trial of 15 flights begins on January 15, 2020 and coincides with Chinese New Year. Tourism Council WA estimates the trial will inject $4 million into the WA economy through additional visitor expenditure.
"New direct air services bring additional visitors to Western Australia. Tourism Council WA estimates that 60 per cent of inbound Chinese passengers on the Shanghai service will be additional visitors to WA by virtue of the direct route," Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.
The tourism industry congratulates the State Government for investing additional funding in Aviation New Market Development in the 2019 State Budget. The partnership between the State Government and the tourism industry to bring in new air services and additional visitors will create jobs in hospitality, retail and tourism businesses across WA.
"We'd like to congratulate Tourism WA, Perth Airport and Tourism Australia for securing this trial of direct flights from Shanghai to Perth," Mr Hall said.
"From catch-and-cook lobster experiences to the Pink Lake and wildlife tours, Western Australia offers a wonderful array of tourism experiences which appeal to Chinese visitors."
Tourism Council WA runs the official China Ready & Accredited® program and training in Western Australia, assisting businesses to tap into the Chinese tourism market and provide high-quality, culturally appropriate experiences.
"We look forward to working with Government to ensure these additional visitors have a great experience in Western Australia and travel out of Perth to explore regional WA and everything our great State has to offer," Mr Hall said.
In preparation for the direct flights, Tourism Council WA is running a full-day training program for tourism businesses on October 23 which will cover topics including WeChat and payment technologies, cultural awareness and marketing to potential Chinese visitors.
