New direct Aerolineas Argentinas flights from Buenos Aires to Sydney will help grow the NSW capital’s popularity within South America.

Destination NSW chief Sandra Chipchase was avid the new, non-stop route would deliver more South American visitors to Sydney and raise the city’s profile.

“The introduction of Aerolineas Argentinas’ new non-stop service confirms Sydney’s position as Australia’s premier destination, and is a sign of Sydney’s appeal and global reputation as an exciting and beautiful lifestyle city.”

Aerolineas Argentinas has begun operating services on the new route, with three flights per week.

“This new service will cut at least three hours of travelling time and means that passengers will be able to travel non-stop from Buenos Aires to Sydney,” Sydney Airport chief Kerrie Mather said.

“More Latin Americans - particularly younger travellers - are also visiting Australia each year, with an average growth over the past 20 years of nearly 10 percent - well above the average of six per cent growth in international passengers a year.”

“Destination NSW is working closely with Aerolineas to promote Sydney in Argentina and Brazil,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Over the next few months, we will be hosting a number of media visits by leading travel journalists and travel agents including Lonely Planet, Journal of Sao Paolo and many tour operators from both Brazil and Argentina.”

Ms Chipchase said Destination NSW was eager to build on the outcomes determined by the new services.

“We look forward to the opportunities that will arise from the new service and our familiarisation activity which hopefully, will present further tourism development opportunities for NSW tourism.”