A new agreement between Qantas and the Victorian government will help increase visitor numbers and tourism spending across the state, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

Qantas and the Victorian government have signed a $12 million partnership deal to promote the state’s tourism destinations at home and abroad.

TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said this is a major win for Victoria’s visitor economy. Morrison said, “International visitor expenditure in Victoria in the year ending June 2013 grew by 6.1 per cent to $4.6 billion and international overnight visitors increased by 5.8 per cent to 1.88 million.

“Qantas’s visibility as one Australia’s most iconic brands will be particularly valuable in attracting international visitors.

“Tourism Victoria and Qantas will work together to promote Melbourne as a modern, diverse city with an outstanding events calendar and world class dining experiences.