The annual Routes Asia air service development forum was officially handed over to the Australian city of Brisbane earlier at a ceremony in Okinawa, Japan.

Routes Asia brings together airlines, airports, tourism authorities and governments to plan new flights and increase existing services.

The 2018 event will be hosted by Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Australia and Tourism Events Queensland at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The capital of Queensland, Brisbane saw a record high of nearly 1.2 million international visitors in the year ending September 2016, 9.6 per cent more than the previous 12 months.

There was particularly strong growth from China, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

Brisbane Airport handled more than 22 million passengers in 2015 and its capacity will double when a second runway opens in 2020.

Brisbane is the gateway to Queensland - the Sunshine State - which is famous for attractions such as the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland is also experiencing a boom in the number of international travellers, especially from China.

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation managing director said: “The city is ready and waiting to offer the warmest of Queensland welcomes to delegates attending Routes Asia in Brisbane in 2018.

“March is the perfect time to visit Brisbane.

“Our city boasts more sunny days than any other capital city in Australia and has a reputation as a thriving multicultural hub, praised for its globally-inspired cafes and restaurants, cultural and creative offerings, parks and green spaces and famously relaxed lifestyle.

“With Queensland’s famous Sunshine and Gold Coasts a short drive away and 50 domestic destinations accessible via direct flights from Brisbane, once delegates have enjoyed the city’s delights, they can easily explore the greater region or further afield.”