Attracting visitors from around the globe, Melbourne Airport welcomed 11 percent more international travellers last year compared to the same period 2010.

According to figures released, the airport saw its international passenger count escalate from 5.9 million in 2010 to 6.6 million last year.

Taiwan's passport holders increased the largest for the 12 months by 22.5 percent followed by travellers from China with 20.7 percent.

Despite natural disasters halting travel into Japan, Japanese travellers visiting Melbourne increased 11.7 percent last year compared to 2010 while visitors from the USA jumped 13.7 percent.

Attracting a domestic market proved to be a challenge, with local visits falling two percent from 21.7 million in 2010 to 21.3 million last year.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Chris Woodruff described the domestic situation as “tough” and cited weather and airline events for the decline.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to focus on improving a new domestic terminal, which will be located adjacent to the existing terminals.

During 2011 the airport welcomed one percent more travellers than 2010, up from 27.7 million to 28 million.