Code-sharing deal to make trip to Tasmania easier for Chinese travellers

A NEW code-sharing deal between Qantas and China Eastern Airlines means flying from China to Tasmania is just one click and one ticket away.

Premier Will Hodgman, Qantas state manager Stephen Farquhar (shorter man) and Hobart Airport chief executive Rod Parry

A NEW code-sharing arrangement between Qantas and China Eastern Airlines means booking a flight from China to Tasmania is just one click and one ticket away.

Under the arrangements China Eastern Airlines will put their airline code on all Qantas services from Melbourne and Sydney to Hobart and flights from Melbourne to Launceston later this year.

Premier Will Hodgman said the agreement would make it easier for a growing number of Chinese travellers to visit Tasmania.

“What this means is for the first time a traveller booking a flight from Shanghai can now select Tasmania as a final destination and purchase just one ticket,” Mr Hodgman said.

“This not only makes it more seamless for Chinese travellers to get to our island, it also increases the prominence of Tasmania as a destination in our number one international tourism market.

“A meeting with China Eastern at their headquarters in Shanghai was an important part of my recent China Trade Mission.”

Chinese tourists visiting Tasmania increased by 38 per cent in the past year, making them the state’s largest international market.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said this was another step to growing the China market.

“I went on the trade mission to China in September and the interest in Tasmania was palpable. They love the imagery of Madame Peng holding the baby Tasmanian devil, they want to see this blue sky island and ultimately these kind of steps are what we need to do to become a state that’s accessible, easy and word class,” Mr Martin said.

Qantas state manager Stephen Farquhar said the arrangement would deliver positives for the state.

“This will deliver nothing but benefits for Tasmania. Now you will have Launceston, Hobart and Tasmania marketed throughout China through China Eastern’s network,” he said.

Originally published as Code-sharing deal to make trip to Tasmania easier for Chinese travellers