Tourism Xmas gift: Flights to Coast to give $54 million boost to struggling tourism industry
Keen for a vacation? New flight routes are expected to inject $54m into the economy – and give Gold Coasters a welcome break. See the fares and what routes are on offer.
Gold Coast
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NEW flights to the Gold Coast are expected to inject almost $54 million into struggling tourism businesses, according to the State Government.
Virgin Australia is to launch new permanent and seasonal flights to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Cairns from December, adding an extra 146,834 seats and supporting almost 420 jobs in Queensland through a partnership with the state government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk estimates the support for new air services would inject $53.7m into struggling tourism businesses, which would be a key part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.
“More flights mean more dollars for struggling tourism businesses. That’s why we’re working with airlines to bring back flights from destinations that are Covid safe,” the Premier said.
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the three new services were a significant expansion to Virgin Australia’s Gold Coast route network.
“Our 4600 tourism businesses are extremely keen to roll out the welcome mat to travellers who love to holiday and reconnect in our slice of paradise each year,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We know holiday-makers are increasingly seeking to reconnect and spend quality time together and the Gold Coast is well placed to roll out the red carpet.
“Destination Gold Coast is proud to support this initiative and we know that as the tourism sector continues to recover, expanding the Gold Coast’s aviation footprint will be critical to rebuilding the visitor economy.”
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the new Coast services would start during what was usually the peak tourism season and as travel nationally started to ramp up.
“When the Gold Coast-Launceston flights start in early December, it will be the first time a scheduled service has ever operated on this route – creating another new market for the Gold Coast,” he said.
“Extra capacity on the already popular Gold Coast-Hobart and Gold Coast-Cairns routes is also extremely welcome.
“These services will deliver more options for visitors wanting to come to the Gold Coast and for locals looking to holiday in North Queensland.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said more flights would serve as an incentive for prospective tourists to book a holiday in Queensland.
“Virgin’s new schedule is perfect for launching new capacity for endless Queensland summers on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Cairns,” he said.
“We know after a long winter, South Australians and Tasmanians crave a holiday in the tropical sun. And with direct flights at great prices all you need to do is pack a bag for a dream holiday experience.
“This is the perfect time for South Australians and Tasmanians to start planning.
“Virgin’s flights will add holiday cheer for tourism operators with hotels, restaurants and visitor experiences by helping to support more than 419 local jobs after tough pandemic year.”
Gaven MP and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said additional flights would be welcomed by local tourism and hospitality businesses, with the average domestic tourist spending more than $2500 per trip.
“Tourism operators play a huge role in the local jobs for our city, so to have more customers for them through these additional flights can only mean good things for our city,” Minister Scanlon said.
Virgin Australia’s Chief Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the new services would be a shot in the arm for Southeast Queensland’s coastal communities.
“This is about connecting people with loved ones, helping people make the most of the holiday period, and, importantly, supporting local Queensland businesses who have been doing it tough,” Mr Hartley said.
“These services have sale fares available from $79 one way and will carry more than 25,000 passengers a month, including 4224 between the Gold Coast and Launceston on a route that hasn’t been commercially operated in 20 years.”
Originally published as Tourism Xmas gift: Flights to Coast to give $54 million boost to struggling tourism industry
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