Queensland hopes to attract more Chinese tourists this year. (Photo : Getty Images)
Tourism Minister Kate Jones leads Queensland's delegation to China as it aims to attract more Chinese tourists to the Australia's second largest state, The Cairns Post reported.
Jones is on a one-week trip to China and Hong Kong to meet with potential airlines, investors and other companies that could help boost Queensland tourism.
According to the minister, China is currently Queensland's largest tourism market, attracting 484,000 tourists in 2016. She further revealed that these visitors have cumulatively spent a record-high $1 billion during their trip.
"China is also Queensland's most significant trade and investment partner and I want to firmly establish our strong relationship," Jones stated.
Jones is also holding talks with Fullshare Group, the company behind the deal that aims to upgrade the Sheraton Mirage hotel in Port Douglas.
The firm announced last year that it eyes to build six-star villas as well as a convention center this 2017.The first stage of the $43 million deal, which was completed in August, was reported to have offered around 4,000 jobs to Queensland.
Jones' visit to China hopes to garner more partnerships with the firm owned by business tycoon Ji Changqun. According to the article, Fullshare Group continues to build its investment portfolio in Australia.
In December, it inked an agreement to acquire childcare operator Sprarrow Early Learning for $85 million. The company has 24 centers across Queensland and Victoria.
Apart from Fullshare Group, Jones shared that will also meet with China Capital Investment Group. The two firms will be pouring in a combined investment of $2 billion in Queensland tourism infrastructure and assets.
Meanwhile, a separate aviation delegation was sent to discuss further agreements with key businesses in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
"We are determined to secure new flights into Queensland, encourage more investment into the state's tourism assets and more international visitors from these high-growth Asian markets," Jones shared.
