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Government and airports fund $200m bid to lure tourists, new routes

The State Government will team up with Queensland’s international airports to throw $200 million over the next four years to re-establish tourism links with its major markets like Asia, New Zealand and the Americas.

Feb 11, 2022, updated Feb 11, 2022
Virgin workers have threatened strike action over Christmas if demands are not met.(file image)

Virgin workers have threatened strike action over Christmas if demands are not met.(file image)

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the Government would partner with the four international airports in the state – Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns – to attract more flights into Queensland.

The Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Andrew Brodie said it was “game-changing funding”.

“It will strengthen the Tasman for us. We will be able to attract more flights from New Zealand and then we will actively look for opportunities in south east Asia directly into out airport,” Brodie said.

“Every service that comes in has a mulitplier effect of $150,000 per aircraft.”

The Government has already spent $1 billion on helping tourism and accommodation sectors during the pandemic.

The Treasurer said the funding would be focused on attracting more tourists but also to establish more routes.

“In the first instance we will be looking at establishing links to Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the US and New Zealand. Then we will look to expand to other markets – Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India and Indonesia,” he said.

“This is on the back of what we have done previously as a Government, but now the time is right, borders are opening and we know we will be welcoming back visitors from New Zealand sooner rather than later.”

It’s expected the package will translate to 5.31 million airline seats per year as well as 24,100 jobs annually by 2025 and generate about $4 billion.

The investment would be split between the Government and private sectors with $100 million coming from the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund and the remainder from the major airports and regional tourism organisations.

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Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Matt Stoeckel said before Covid international travellers represented more than 11 per cent of the coast’s market and contributed $285 million to the local economy.

“We believe we have the potential to strongly rebuild these markets with our nature-based tourism offering being what international travellers are likely to be seeking for their next holiday,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was the largest investment of any Australian state or territory in securing inbound international flights after COVID-19.

“The agreement we’ve made this week will enable our airports to negotiate with airlines and fast-track more direct flights into Queensland.

“I want to see more planes landing at our major airports – filled with tourists who want to experience Queensland. That’s what this funding will help us achieve.

“I thank Queensland’s international airports for their commitment. This is another great example of the government working with the private sector to rebuild Queensland’s economy and create jobs.”

 

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