HONG KONG AIRLINES INCREASES GOLD COAST FLIGHTS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

FLIGHTS between the Gold Coast and Hong Kong will be increased from three to up to seven flights per week in January and February.

The increased number of Hong Kong Airlines flights is to cater for demand around Chinese New Year.

China is a growing market for the Gold Coast. The city welcomed 295,000 visitors in the 12 months to September 2016, a record 33 per cent growth on the previous year.

In response to the new flights, the Gold Coast Airport will increase the presence of its Chinese Liaison Officers in the week after the lunar calendar ticks over on January 28.

"Our Chinese Liaison Officers are here to assist passengers as they move through the airport to ensure their travel experience with us is a positive one," says Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills.

"This is a very popular time for the Chinese to travel and clearly they are keen to holiday here on the Gold Coast."

In a nod to Chinese New Year celebrations, the terminal and some retailers will also feature festive dressing.

The Hong Kong to Gold Coast service became a permanent, year-round service in April 2016 following the success of a seasonal charter service.

It connects the Gold Coast with Chinese growth markets including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Nanning.

Business News Australia