Increased transTasman flights boost Gold Coast
Jetstar’s decision to increase flights from New Zealand to the Gold Coast are expected to add $22 million to the city’s economy each year.
The flights – from Queenstown and Wellington – three times each week, according to Jetstar Australia and New Zealand boss David Hall said, “If we see strong inbound demand, we have the ability to move capacity and meet that demand.”
“We see strong demand on both sides of the Tasman,” he said. “But we are confident with the outlook for the service.”
Jetstar will now fly from the Gold Coast to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. The increased services follow the release last week of international visitor numbers that showed a 9 per cent jump in the number of Kiwis coming to the Coast.
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said tourism forecasts would expand further for the NZ market on the back of the extra flights. Based on average visitor spending, the estimated 350 holidaymakers flying into the city every week because of the service could dump $1196 into the economy each, or $21.7 million a year.
