It was announced on Friday that the first direct flights between Hong Kong and Australia's Gold Coast tourist strip will be launched in January.
Queensland state's Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Hong Kong Airlines would begin with three flights a week, with connections to the tropical northern city of Cairns.
The new planned flights follow strong growth in tourism numbers from China to Australia.
"This is great news. Hong Kong Airlines will operate its very first Australian service, so very exciting and great news and a great vote of confidence in the Gold Coast," said the official.
