“'There is a lot of detail still to come on Qatar but it supports the ACT stated position that Singapore would be the first of many international carriers. It is the ideal international gateway for us so great news. We will continue to partner Visit Canberra and position ourselves as the Canberra coast experience for these markets,” he said.

It’s a partnership that has been recognised in Canberra Airport’s newest attraction for visitors in the arrivals lounge - augmented reality. 

Incoming passengers waiting for their luggage have the opportunity to spot a bettong or a quoll at the ACT’s woodlands and wetlands, pat a cheetah at the National Zoo and Aquarium and get up close and personal with a humpback whale on the Sapphire Coast.

Each experience is supplied – with appropriate sound – through the airport’s augmented reality visitor experience in the arrivals hall and is part of Canberra Airport’s commitment to promoting tourism in the ACT and surrounding district to its domestic and international passengers.

And there could be more international passengers coming from China following an agreement between Australia and China which removes all capacity restrictions between Australia and China for each country's airline, an important enabler for increased trade and tourism.

There is further good news for the tourism industry with the announcement of an increased regional tourism fund providing $13 million over the next three years.

Mr Osborne said one of the major benefits of the new fund was the lower “buy-in stake” for dollar for dollar funding. Instead of small regions having to find $50,000 to apply for matching funding, the buy-in stake has lowered to $15,000.