“This is a breakthrough for Australian tourism - an industry which generates $250 million a day in spending for our economy,” Mr McEvoy said.

“The decision provides certainty for tourism operators and, most importantly for the tourism industry, allowing Qantas to progressively resume flights.

“Australian tourism is open for business and we need to ensure whatever existing damage to our industry can now be minimised.

“There will be a backlog to clear, in particular from our international markets. Interestingly, we have become very good at clearing backlogs given recent issues such as the volcanic ash cloud and should see normal service start to resume within the next 24 hours,” he said.

Tourism Australia is ensuring the ‘open for business’ message is communicated widely through all its external channels, including Australia.com and Facebook (See Australia) as well as its overseas offices and global network of Aussie Specialist travel agents.

Tourism Australia has 25,000 Aussie Specialist travel agents in 69 countries and almost two million fans on Facebook – the largest destination fan page in the world.

City.Mobi

Also in Australia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Brisbane.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Brisbane.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.