Tourism Australia and China Eastern Airlines team up

Tourism Australia (TA) and China's second largest international airline, China Eastern Airlines have signed a $9 million marketing deal.

The deal was signed in Shanghai, ahead of the opening of the Greater China Travel Mission 2012, by managing director of TA, Andrew McEvoy, and president of China Eastern Airlines, Ma Xulun.

The deal follows the launch of a direct Shanghai to Cairns service by China Eastern Airlines and will see both organisations putting $4.3 million towards joint marketing initiatives.

China Eastern Airlines will also provide flights to support trade shows promoting travel to Australia, and agent and media families.

McEvoy said: "This agreement and status of China Eastern will give Australian tourism even greater strategic reach in this our most valuable tourism export market.

"China Eastern with its large, combined China domestic and international route network is incredibly well linked to better connect travellers between greater China and Australia."