Melbourne 'a new must-see city in Australia'

Melbourne is developing into the newest "must-see" destination in Australia, according to Tourism Victoria.

The promotional body said that Melbourne is the country's fastest-growing destination for British visitors, who are attracted to the city's "world-renowned, cosmopolitan lifestyle".

January this year saw Melbourne International Airport achieve a 4.5 per cent year-on-year increase in passengers.

This trend is set to continue this year as a result of Emirates launching a third daily flight to the city from Dubai last month and Etihad Airways starting a new service from Abu Dhabi at the end of March.

Claire Golding, Tourism Victoria's regional manager for the UK and Europe, said: "Melbourne is fast becoming Australia's new must-see city. With an impressive line-up of world-class events, a lively passion for eating and drinking and a flourishing arts scene, it has struck a real chord in the UK market.

"The state's compact size makes it easy to get around and ideal for classic Aussie self-drives and, with an increasing number of international airlines servicing Melbourne, it is now more accessible than ever."

The tourism agency recently reassured travellers that the bushfires that hit some parts of Victoria had not affected the state's most popular travel destinations.

Posted by Teddie, 03 March 2009 16:57

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• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Melbourne
• Emirates
• Etihad