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THE tally of inbound seats flying into Queensland has been bumped up to 500,000 this year, after two major airlines increased services to the state.
EVA Air and AirAsia X will boost trips from Taiwan and Malaysia to deliver up to 44,000 additional visitors and $66 million to the economy.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones says the latest international tourism figures show increasing demand from Asia.
"These are two very important travel hubs for Queensland," Jones says.
"Brisbane is EVA Air's only Australian port, ensuring the state remains a destination of choice for visitors from Greater China.
"Taiwan is also a major international port for greater Chinese and Japanese visitors.
"AirAsia X currently services 18 destinations in mainland China, Taipei and 12 cities in India. More direct flights out of Kuala Lumpur provide a direct connection for greater China and Indian travellers to the Gold Coast."
EVA Air will add two extra flights each week to its existing year-round service from Taiwan to Brisbane from October flying five-times weekly.
AirAsia X will increase its frequency from seven to 11 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur into the Gold Coast from July.
Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and managing director Julieanne Alroe says the announcement demonstrates the airline's confidence in the city.
"EVA Air has been a quality and loyal customer of Brisbane Airport for well over two decades now," Alroe says.
"This will surely see their patronage, especially from the all-important corporate market, grow in leaps and bounds."
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter says in addition to improving connectivity, it reflects strong demand from the region.
"It confirms the enduring interest Malaysians have in the Gold Coast and we anticipate a significant increase in visitation from those hubs serviced by AirAsia X's ever-expanding network throughout Asia," Winter says.
The flights were secured through the government's Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
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