Tasmania seeks elusive direct Asia flights
A strong delegation will travel to Asia this week to secure direct international services with Asian airlines.
Premier and tourism minister Will Hodgman said former OzJet and Rex executive Hans van Pelt will lead the mission that he said had the potential to dramatically boost tourist numbers from the lucrative China market.
“A delegation led by Tourism Tasmania’s director of aviation and access development Hans van Pelt will visit Asia next week to discuss the possibility of direct flights between Asia and Tasmania with interested airlines,” Mr Hodgman said. “They will visit a number of cities in China and South-East Asia to hold discussions with airlines.
Mr Hodgman described the Asian visitor market as key to Tasmania’s economic future, with plans to help “Asia-ready” the state’s tourism operators. Figures show a near-doubling of Chinese visitors to Tasmania in the 12 months to June.
