The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW has signed the MOU with Xiamen Airlines, with an investment and marketing partnership to promote travel to Sydney and NSW ahead of the launch of new direct services from China to Sydney on November 29.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government continues to drive visitation from China to Sydney and the regions.

“I’m delighted we have signed this MOU to jointly market flights from China to our fantastic state, perfectly timed to enjoy the summer months,” Mr Ayres said.

“China is the largest inbound tourism market in NSW with 526,000 Chinese visitors last financial year – an increase of 24 per cent on the previous year.”

These visitors spent almost $2 billion in NSW, and we are looking forward to the first Xiamen Airlines flights arriving in Sydney in coming weeks.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said the MOU was a result of the relationship NSW had developed with the airline and key industry partners in China.

“We are delighted Xiamen Airlines will begin flights between Xiamen and Fuzhou in China to Sydney, bringing more visitors to the State and generating a further $133 million each year,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Destination NSW will continue to develop this strong partnership with Xiamen Airlines which will include co-operative marketing, travel trade education and training, media and trade visits.”

Xiamen Airlines Executive Vice President, Zhao Dong said: “Our partnership with the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW will ensure we give our customers from China the opportunity to experience the many delights of Sydney and NSW.”

The five new weekly flights comprise three flights each week from Fuzhou, and two weekly flights from Xiamen. Both cities are in Fujian Province, which has a population of 38 million.

Media contact:

Rhys Haynes 0400 378 271

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