Whitsundays tourism boosted by Virgin direct flights from Melbourne - Herald Sun

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti says Air NZ's increased stake in the company will not affect business.

TOURISM in the Whitsundays has been given a huge boost by the announcement of more direct flights from Melbourne.

Tickets yesterday went on sale for Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Hamilton Island, with four flights a week starting in August.

With Melbourne already offering five flights a week on Jetstar, the southern city could become Hamilton Island's second biggest market after Sydney, moving past Brisbane.

Cairns is the only other major centre with direct flights to Hamilton Island.

While the iconic resort island will be the main beneficiary of the new flights, operators throughout the Whitsundays will also be well-placed to cash in.

The Boeing 737-800 planes will also feature business class seats - the first time the class has been offered to Hamilton Island in almost a decade.

The first Melbourne flight will land on Hamilton Island on August 15, two days before the start of the island's famous Race Week yachting carnival.

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