More flights to North America as travel slowly returns

With continued uncertainty in Asia and Europe, North America looms as Queensland’s most bankable tourism market.

Queensland tourism is aiming to Make America Great Again as the sector looks for a new poster child in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

With continued uncertainty in Asia and Europe, North America looms as Queensland’s most bankable tourism market, with airlines and airports in negotiations to connect the Sunshine State to international destinations across the Pacific.

Not since the days of Paul Hogan offering to throw another shrimp on the barbie has the US been seen as so pivotal for the Sunshine State, with Tourism and Events Queensland’s head of marketing set to arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday as part of a trade mission to bolster commercial travel links.

Qantas will restart its Brisbane to Los Angeles service next week, while Virgin Australia’s new partnership with United Airlines also has the potential to tap into a vast network of American flights.

Air Canada has just committed to relaunching Brisbane flights to Vancouver, while Chicago, Texas and San Francisco are among other destinations mooted for direct flights to the River City.

The huge population bases of the US and Canada represent a potential goldmine for Queensland’s tourism industry, but moves to boost flights to the region also makes North America one of the most appealing international destinations for Queenslanders keen to head overseas for the first time in three years.

Queenslanders could soon fly direct to San Francisco and other American cities as airlines and airports rebuild international travel. Picture: Istock

China was Queensland’s top international tourism market before Covid, but that pool of $1.6 billion in economic impact has virtually disappeared, leaving the state in search of a new tourism saviour.

Brisbane Airport’s executive general manager of Aviation Ryan Both said North America was shaping as a vital market for both the local tourism industry and Queenslanders looking to head overseas.

“There’s still so much instability in the rest of the world and North America is looking really attractive for travellers,” he said.

North America’s non-stop flights, as opposed to long-haul journeys to Europe with stopovers, were also seen as enticing for travellers.

“Non-stop flights always lead to higher passenger numbers, so getting non-stop services is critical,” said Mr Both.

“Brisbane has a wonderful opportunity to tap into some of those really big North American markets as we head towards the Olympics in 2032.”

TEQ CEO Leanne Coddington said work was already underway to harness the vast potential of the North American market.

“In the year prior to the pandemic we had seen expenditure by US visitors grow by 15 per cent and there were new direct flight links from San Francisco and Chicago into Brisbane on the horizon,” she said.

Chicago is one of several American cities in the frame for direct flights to Brisbane. Picture: Istock

“The United States is the world’s largest economy holding great promise for Queensland’s tourism industry and we are very optimistic about the pent up demand for travel and attracting US visitors here.

“I know tourism operators are hugely enthusiastic about welcoming North American travellers back to our shores and at TEQ, we look forward to continuing to work with our trade and industry partners in the market.”

Queenslanders can already head to Europe via stopovers in Singapore, Qatar and Dubai, while Fiji and New Caledonia have come back online as holiday destinations.

International travel has been further boosted by the relaxation of requirements for negative Covid tests before flights to Australia.

DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM BRISBANE

* Singapore (16 flights per week)

* New Zealand (7 flights per week)

* Qatar (6 flights per week)

* Dubai (6 flights per week)

* Port Moresby (5 flights per week)

* Fiji (3 flights per week)

* Taiwan (two flights per week)

* Solomon Islands (one flight per week)

* Malaysia (one flight per week)

* Nauru (one flight per week)

* New Caledonia (one flight per week)

** Los Angeles (5 flights per week to start April 1)

** Vancouver (4 flights per week to start July 1)