The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport has entered a deal with the private sector aimed at securing more direct international flights to Queensland.
Under the deal, a Departmental allocation of $100 million is to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the State’s four largest airports as part of the effort to rebuild the international tourism industry.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said more flights meant more tourists.
“That’s why international aviation connectivity is absolutely critical to the economic recovery of Queensland’s tourism industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The agreement we’ve made this week will enable our airports to negotiate with airlines and fast-track more direct flights into Queensland,” she said.
Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe said the partnership with Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns International Airports would target the international flights suspended by the pandemic, as well as new overseas connections.
“Attracting international aviation is extremely competitive and that’s why we’re on the runway early to secure Queensland’s place on the destination boards of the world’s biggest airports,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Securing more international flights also supports the State’s wider economy, including food and freight exports and the return of up to 30,000 international students,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Destination Gold Coast, Patricia O’Callaghan said the announcement was a shot in the arm for tourism recovery.
“We know aviation attraction for new routes and services is the critical piece in the recovery our industry has been calling for, and this support will give Gold Coast’s tourism sector another reason to smile with an exceptionally bright future ahead,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
Mr Hinchliffe also announced the appointment of aviation professional, Manny Gill to the new role of Strategic Aviation Director in the Department of Tourism.
Mr Gill will oversee the rebuilding of Queensland’s domestic and international aviation routes.
