EMIRATES Airlines' search for sites for six or seven star resorts in Queensland, possibly including the Atherton Tableland, is likely to gather momentum late next year.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the expanding Middle Eastern airline company’s interest in the region was likely to develop further once it had bedded down its Blue Mountains resort, scheduled to open around September next year.

Ms Boyle arrived in Hong Kong yesterday for talks with Chinese airlines about possible direct flights to Cairns, after several days of talks with Emirates and Ethiad airlines.

The talks resulted in Emirates announcing direct flights to Brisbane from Dubai, starting in February, and both companies agreeing to marketing ventures with Tourism Queensland.

While Emirates has not ruled out possible future direct flights to Cairns, Ms Boyle said both airlines indicated the focus of Middle Eastern tourists was clearly on the Gold Coast, and not other Queensland destinations.

"They made it very clear to us there was not a lot of point chasing the Middle Eastern tourist for other Queensland destinations, rather that we should concentrate on ex-pats and other Europeans working in the region," Ms Boyle said.

Middle Eastern tourists travelled in the middle of the year and their vacations centred around Ramadan, where they fasted during daylight hours.

"As a result they want to get out and dine and be entertained at night and the glitz of the Gold Coast is what they are seeking.’’

In contrast, ex-pat Englishmen and Europeans working in the Middle East could be targeted for eco-based Australian holidays.

While Middle Eastern airlines are faring better than other international carriers, several airlines in China have reported
financial difficulties.

"Even Cathay Pacific is issuing warnings about profitability," Ms Boyle said.

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