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Cairns and its surrounding Far North Queensland region is expecting a boost from Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Cairns Post reports that at least 16,000 Chinese visitors are expected in the region from about 20th January.

Many have already arrived to visit relatives and friends and are extending their holidays to include the Chinese New Year on 23rd January.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Kevin Brown told The Cairns Post that double the number of Chinese New Year flights would arrive in 2012, compared with 2011, stating "we have a total of 12 additional flights coming direct from China to Cairns.

"There are seven China Southern flights from Guangzhou and three China Eastern flights from Shanghai.

"Cathay Pacific has added two extra flights from Hong Kong in addition to their daily Hong Kong-Cairns service.

"The charter flights will have the capacity to bring almost 4000 visitors into Cairns plus there are many thousands more expected to arrive via domestic services for a total of about 16,000."

The first charter flight is expected on 21st January and the last on 28th January.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Consumer Marketing Director David Inches said the Chinese New Year was "a major business boost to start 2012 and places Cairns on the front foot for the year ahead.

"The doubling of visitors on last year shows we are right on track in building our relationships with the Chinese carriers, trade and travellers."

Many Chinese visitors had extended their holidays to include the New Year, because schools and universities do not resume until the end of January.

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