Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce’s new strategy will benefit Australia’s tourism sector, Tourism Australia says.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy welcomed Tuesday’s "Building a Stronger Qantas" announcement, which he believes supports the tourism industry’s strategic direction.

"Like Tourism Australia, Qantas has taken a strategic decision to focus on profitable growth. Importantly, the Qantas Group's future international network remains aligned to the Australian tourism industry’s long-term ambition to double overnight visitor spending from $70 billion per annum to $140 billion by 2020 and with a strong focus on Asia for growth," said McEvoy.

According to him, the airline needs to be cost-competitive to continue to be a strong investor in Australian tourism.

"Their five-year plan unveiled today is about Qantas creating a much more viable international business, which can compete in today’s fiercely competitive aviation landscape and help support our own tourism ambitions.

"Further expansion into Japan by Jetstar through the setting up of a new low cost carrier with Japan Airlines is welcome news and will help stimulate what is a struggling top tier market for Australian tourism. And a new premium carrier based in Asia is also good news and will mean more international flying into Australia and growth in capital city access, including Adelaide and Perth," said McEvoy.

In his announcement, chief executive Alan Joyce stressed the restructuring plan would be "a huge benefit to Australian tourism."

"This Australian brand is going to be one of the biggest brands in Japan," he said.

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