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| Air New Zealand will increase flights to the Gold Coast |
The Palaszczuk Government has today announced a deal with Air New Zealand that will increase flights to the Gold Coast, bring more than 21,000 extra tourists over two years and inject more than $28.7 million into the local economy.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government had locked in the additional flights from 2020, supported through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, in partnership with Gold Coast Airport and Destination Gold Coast.
“More tourists means more jobs for the Gold Coast. That’s why we’re focused on growing this industry,” she said.
“These flights alone will bring an extra 10,000 tourists to the Gold Coast every year. The flow-on benefits for local businesses will be outstanding.”
Around 210,000 kiwis visited the Coast over the last year – that’s nine per cent growth.
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the flights secured by the government today would continue the strong growth trajectory of the New Zealand market on the Gold Coast. which welcomed 210,000 visitors in the year ending March 2019 - a growth of nine per cent - and also support 320 jobs.
“As it currently stands, the kiwi tourism market supports around 320 local jobs. With new flights like the ones announced today, we know these numbers will grow in the future.
On the Gold Coast, the flights will deliver an additional 10,000 visitors a year by increasing frequency to seven services a week from April to October, increasing to nine services a week during peak periods in July.
“This will give New Zealanders more of an opportunity to pick the Gold Coast as their number one holiday destination,” Ms Scanlon said.
“That’s what makes today’s announcement so crucial - ensuring sure the Gold Coast is front of mind in the decision-making process.”
New Zealand is Queensland’s second-largest international market, with visitors from New Zealand generating $563 million a year for the state’s economy.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said today’s announcement was a huge vote of confidence in the city.
“Moving to a daily service, and more during peak times, shows the connection between New Zealand and the Gold Coast region is only growing stronger,” he said.
“New Zealand continues to be the number one international market for Gold Coast Airport, so it is great to see Air New Zealand responding to the demand.”