Image source: OzHotels.com.au

The Chinese market continues to prove its importance to the Australian tourism industry, leading international growth into Melbourne Airport during July this year.

According to the airport’s latest statistics, inbound travellers from China increased by up to eight percent during the seventh month of the year compared to the same period last year.

Although the growth from China was ahead of other international markets, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and New Zealand markets also increased over the same period and contributed to the overall one percent rise in international passengers during the month.

The airport’s chief executive Chris Woodruff said growth in the overseas market was due to the gateway’s ongoing commitment to introducing more direct flights in and out of Melbourne.

“Just last week we welcomed an additional daily A380 service from Singapore Airlines and in October, Emirates will introduce their twentieth A380 into service here in Melbourne, " Mr Woodruff said.

"Later in the year, Jetstar will also reintroduce direct services to Hawaii.

"Our investment in terminals, aerobridges and baggage handling systems to serve the A380, is paying dividends with Melbourne becoming a leading A380 destination.

“We’ll continue to invest in infrastructure to provide more capacity for domestic and international airlines, including ongoing planning for our new Southern Precinct domestic terminal.”

The airport’s domestic operations also picked up over July this year compared to the same month last year, with a five percent increase.

Last month Mr Woodruff also said the airport’s curfew-free operations played a significant role in its increasing passenger numbers.