Palau's President says he expects a new air service linking his island with Australia will help boost tourism in his country.
The airline Pacific Flier last week launched its weekly direct flights between Brisbane and Palau's capital Koror.
The Gold Coast Bulletin News website quotes Mr Toribiong as saying the new service is part of efforts to make Palau one of the most favoured destinations in the Pacific.
Pacific Flier's director, Australian Reg Free, says the previous lack of a direct route to Palau, and the considerable time it would take to get there, limited the number of Australian tourists to the country.
But he says now Palau, with its pristine waters and unique marine life, is well poised to tap into the big market in Queensland for diving in the Pacific.
Pacific Flier departs Brisbane for Koror on Wednesdays and returns Mondays.