Queensland has experienced a flurry of new international and domestic flights and increased flight frequencies, which will develop tourism and improve visitor numbers, according to Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) chief Daniel Gschwind.

Increased flights to Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are planned for China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Etihad and Qantas.

China Southern Airlines will employ three non-stop services from Guangzhou, while China Eastern will offer three direct flights from Shanghai.

From February 2013 Etihad will run a daily service between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.

Qantas have also responded to a rise in demand for both leisure and business travellers by announcing a return to three daily services to the Gold Coast.

“We are thrilled with these airlines’ decisions to further commit to Queensland, and I know Queenslanders and tourism operators are ready to show off our state to visitors,” Mr Gschwind said.

“It’s a real vote of confidence for the state’s tourism industry and provides a real impetus for visitor number growth.”

These new flights and increased frequencies will provide thousands of extra inbound seats to the sunshine state each week.

“By committing to these flights we will also see these airlines market Queensland as a destination to their respective markets, further spreading the word that our state is where Australia shines.”