Virgin Australia’s international airlines restructure announced yesterday will “benefit Australia’s tourism sector”, according to the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).

Chief executive John Lee said the carrier’s decision to move its international airlines business away from the restraints of Australia’s 49 percent foreign ownership laws, provides the airline room the grow which in turn will have a positive “outcome for tourism” down under.

"As the demand for air travel continues to rise, it's very important airlines have the ability to respond to that growth and invest accordingly,” Mr Lee said.

"This restructure will give Virgin Australia better access to capital from foreign investors to allow it to sustain and grow its operations while still fully complying with relevant legislation."

He said the move could create new job opportunities across Australia while also boosting competition across the carrier’s servicing the Kangaroo route. 

"Australia's geographic location and the sheer size of our country mean that a healthy and competitive aviation industry is fundamental to the economy," the Forum’s head added.

"We rely on air links to bring in international visitors and to move people around the country for business and leisure.