The Queensland Government hopes new business-class flights into the Gold Coast will help the struggling tourist strip.

Virgin Australia announced yesterday it would be the only airline to offer business-class services to the Gold Coast and would also open a 140-seat luxury lounge at the airport.

The airline's managing director John Borghetti said the Gold Coast was an important hub, with the airline servicing almost one million passengers each year.

Queensland Tourism Minister Jan Jarrett said the extra choice for top-end travellers complemented the Government's strategy of drawing crowds with big events.

The business-class services will begin before the end of the year and the lounge will open early next year.