Minister Barr: Visit to focus on new aviation links and Canberra-Beijing sister city relationship
- Written by ACT Government
Released 25/03/2019
Growing our largest international tourism market and more international flights is the main objective for an ACT Government delegation to China this week.
International visitors are flocking to Canberra in record numbers, with the largest share coming from China. The latest Tourism Australia Research data shows China is the ACT’s number one market for international overnight visitors with one in five international visitors to Canberra originating from China in the year to September 2018.
This week, I will be meeting with China Southern Airlines and representatives from Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou and Beijing Capital International Airport as well as China’s Civil Aviation Administration to pursue direct flights between China and Canberra.
The ACT Government has a goal of growing international visitor expenditure to $2.5 billion by 2020, and developing closer ties with China is one of the priorities identified in our International Engagement Strategy.
Direct flights between Canberra and China would also create a direct link for Chinese students attending universities in the ACT. Chinese students make up the largest proportion of our international student population.
I will also meet with Beijing Mayor Chen Jining to progress a range of matters in the lead up to the 20th anniversary of our sister city agreement.
The cost of the Chief Minister’s delegation is approximately $25,000. This is met from within the ACT Executive 2018-19 budget. The final cost will be released as part of the regular travel reports.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
