The Hong Kong Tourism Board has today welcomed renewed competition and extra capacity out of Melbourne following the launch of Virgin Australia's direct route into Hong Kong.

The new path will bring 71,500 additional seats to Hong Kong each year, contributing to further growth in total air capacity out of Australia. The city has already seen an increase in seats ex Australia of 5.3% YOY, as of January 20171, due to extra volume across Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Hong Kong Airlines in 2016.

'Hong Kong's status as a key hub for international visitors has been made stronger today by the launch of Virgin Australia's new flight from Melbourne. It's been a long time since we've had solid competition on this route and we anticipate strong lead-in fares across all airlines off the back of it,' said Hong Kong Tourism Board Regional Director, Andrew Clark.

'A third major airline for Hong Kong opens up a great deal of opportunity to boost Australian arrivals into Hong Kong and onwards to wider parts of Asia through Virgin Australia's alliance with the HNA Group, including Hong Kong Airlines.'

Last year, Hong Kong welcomed almost 576,000 total visitors from Australia (26% from Victoria2) who spent, on average, a total of HK$3.9 billion (approx A$662m)3 from January to December 2016. The tourism board expects these numbers to increase in 2017.

'Hong Kong is the most visited city in the world and it's no surprise given half the world's population is within five hours' flight time. The city is extremely accessible with a world-class rail system and express link from the airport; it's one of the safest cities in the world, the dining scene is outstanding and there's so much to uncover, from local culture to hiking across its many islands and beaches,' said Mr Clark.

Hong Kong International Airport is planning an expansion project to keep up with demand which will see the development of a third runway, due for completion in 2024. Better transport links from Hong Kong to mainland China will also provide greater access. The world's largest sea bridge will link Hong Kong to Macau onwards to Zhuhai on the mainland and a new high-speed rail network will connect Hong Kong to Guangzhou in one hour, scheduled to open in late 2018 with plans for future high-speed connections to Shanghai and Beijing.

The opening of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in 2013, positioned at the former airport runway, has cemented further growth opportunities for Hong Kong as a cruise hub and the city currently has approximately 44 new confirmed hotel projects underway through 2017-2019, offering a variety of accommodation options from budget, boutique to luxury.

'This is a really exciting time for Hong Kong; the city is seeing a resurgence in contemporary art, culture and history bringing local neighbourhoods to life. The food scene is booming, housing top chefs from around the world, including Australia. And now, with the prospect of better value airfares from Australia, there's never been a better time to go,' said Mr Clark.

For more information on Hong Kong visit www.discoverhongkong.com/au.

-Ends-

Additional information:

• Virgin Australia will conduct five flights a week between Melbourne and Hong Kong, connecting through to Greater China as part of a codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines
• Cathay Pacific has enhanced their service to Hong Kong, introducing the A350-900 Airbus to their Brisbane and Melbourne routes as well as plans to launch on the Perth route in October 2017 
• In February 2016, Hong Kong Airlines launched its first venture in Australia ex Gold Coast via Cairns into Hong Kong and between April and October 2016, Qantas launched double daily flights out of Sydney to support its peak period

1 Source: IATA
2 Source: HKTB Travel Pattern Survey
3 Figures Jan – Dec 2016; Source: Immigration Department, HKTB Travel Pattern Survey (TPS) and Departing Visitor Survey (DVS)

For images of Hong Kong visit: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/LBsCa22eGY 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Margo McNeill
Hong Kong Tourism Board
PR and Media Manager, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
M: +61 (0) 478 780 149
E: margo.mcneill@hktb.com

Virginia Ou
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Marketing and PR Services Executive
P: +61 (2) 8262 6804
E: virginia.ou@hktb.com