FIVE Asian airline charters will bring 6500 tourists to Cairns early next year as a result of the Federal Government's tourism rescue package.

Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said the passengers - more than half of them from western Japan - had been wooed via a marketing campaign backed by $750,000 from the $4 million package.

The money was the first instalment of the rescue package and Mr Ferguson would fly into Cairns from Tokyo today to announce further initiatives relating to the tourism industry.

The new flights will include three charters to be operated by SkyAirWorld, which is supported by several Cairns businesses keen to ensure the Japanese market is not neglected following the Qantas cutbacks that come into force next month.

They will operate from Nagoya during the Golden Week holiday in Japan in April and May.

Mr Ferguson said it was hoped the Federal Government's help would drive sales by travel agents in Japan and lead to regular charters from western Japan, a market that would be left empty when Jetstar picked up the Tokyo-Cairns route.

The other charters would bring passengers from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China during the Chinese New Year.

Mr Ferguson said China Airlines - Taiwan's largest airline - had responded positively to Tourism Australia's proposal for the Chinese New Year charters.

"More seasonal charters, as well as longer-term regular flights, could be considered if the charter series is successful," Mr Ferguson said.

TTNQ chief executive Rob Giason said the charter announcements were "extremely positive and we have to acknowledge that without doubt the Federal Government’s backing helped get them across the line".

With $640,000 of the rescue package committed for research into emerging markets such as China and India, Mr Giason said it was hoped Mr Ferguson would announce immediate release of the remaining money to be spent now to stimulate the industry.

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