Cathay Pacific restarts direct Hong Kong flights to boost Cairns tourism

Cairns tourism and business leaders say recent seasonal flights from Korea and Hong Kong are opening the door to international airlines and an incredible opportunity for the region during the next decade.

Cairns tourism and business leaders say the recent seasonal flights from Korea are opening the door for more international airlines to come here. International travel to the region is already booming, with Cathay Pacific restarting direct flights from Hong Kong and Air Niugini adding thousands of extra seats ahead of the busy festive season. Picture: Supplied.

Cairns tourism and business leaders say recent seasonal flights from Korea are opening the door for more international airlines to come to Far North Queensland.

International travel to the region is already booming, with Cathay Pacific restarting direct flights from Hong Kong and Air Niugini now adding thousands of extra seats ahead of the festive season.

Cathay Pacific returned to Cairns Airport on Tuesday, for it’s second annual seasonal service.

Hong Kong’s home carrier will operate three direct flights per week between Hong Kong and Cairns from December 9 to February 28. These flights are centred around the peak Lunar New Year period and Christmas holidays.

Cairns tourism and business leaders say the recent seasonal flights from Korea are opening the door for more international airlines to come here. n. Picture: Supplied.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said Cairns is expecting a surge in travellers over summer which is expected to be one of the strongest seasons in years.

“These flights will also open easier travel pathways for Cairns residents and international visitors,” he said.

“We’re delighted to announce we’re heading into a really busy summer season.”

Mr Barker said Cathay Pacific’s seasonal flights will deliver more visitors and millions of dollars in local spending.

“Starting a seasonal service … that’s bringing an extra 20,000 seats into the region and expected to stimulate up to $18 million into our local economy,” he said.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker and Tourism North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen. Picture: Supplied.

“Cathay Pacific has great connectivity through to Europe and of course into Hong Kong itself and further into Asia.” Mr Barker said.

Additionally Air Niugini will replace it’s Fokker 70 and soon begin operating its new Airbus A220 aircraft to Cairns.

This fleet will add close to 65,000 extra seats on the Cairns route per year.

Custom itineraries were developed to ensure delegates experienced the region’s key attractions, with time to relax, dine and explore. Picture: Supplied.

Singapore Airlines is also strengthening its Cairns route, giving more access to a major global hub during the busiest period.

“Singapore Airlines is starting a seasonal service … bringing an extra 20,000 seats into the region and expected to stimulate up to $18 million into our economy,” Mr Barker said.

“We’re expecting nearly 800,000 visitors through the terminal between mid-December and the end of January”

“Travellers will enjoy even more flexibility when daily Singapore Airlines flights commence from December 1, next year.”

Amway Korea brought 2800 delegates on 20 charter flights, brining a $13 million boost to the region’s economy. Picture: Supplied.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Cairns is Australia’s northern international gateway and will be the destination that connects Australia to the world over the next decade.

“The connectivity provided by the Cairns Airport domestically and internationally underpins the success of this destination, we all know that,” he said.

“The $4.6 billion tourism industry here in our region relies on our global connectivity.”

Almost 800,00 passengers are expected to travel through Cairns Airport during December and January – 120,000+ international and 675,000+ domestic. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Olsen said 2,800 delegates came in on 20 charter services from Korea for Amway Korea, spending an estimated $13m.

“I got to spend a bit of time with the Amway Korea guys, and I reckon they spent a lot more than that. They love the food,” he said.

“If we can continue to increase the frequency with Singapore Airlines, we can unlock greater potential out of India and Southeast Asia.”

Looking towards the next decade, he said there is an incredible opportunity for the region to “get its act together.”

“We’re going to be launching a campaign, April Eat Local Month, to get locals to really understand what is in their backyard,” he said.

Originally published as Cathay Pacific restarts direct Hong Kong flights to boost Cairns tourism