More flights, more tourists, more dollars, more jobs
Queensland partners with gateway airports in $200 million investment move
The Queensland Government has joined resources with the state’s major international air gateways, investing $200 million in the state’s international reopening as part of a move to attract more overseas flights to Queensland.
Announcing the move, which is aimed at generating 5.3 million airline seats per year, and some $4 billion in revenue, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick said the partnership with Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cairns airports was another crucial part of the state’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“More flights. More tourists. More tourism dollars. More jobs. That’s what this announcement means for regions like the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Dick said.
“This partnership will see our government working with Queensland’s major airports to secure more flights and new overseas routes so we can continue building back better.
“Best of all, our investment is going to safeguard employment across the aviation and tourism sectors.
“Combined with our ‘Days Like This’ tourism campaign announced earlier this week, this $200 million aviation funding boost will ensure brighter days are ahead for the Sunshine State.”
The investment has been split between the government and the private sector, with $100 million made available via the government’s ‘Attracting Aviation Investment Fund’ and $100 million from Queensland’s major airports and regional tourism organisations.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie thanked the Queensland Government, saying the announcement is great news for Sunshine Coast Airport and the region more broadly.
“Investment by the Queensland Government in our airport will create jobs for generations to come and provide a much-needed boost to our tourism industry as a result of increased visitation,” Mr Brodie said.
“Direct international aviation connections allow our region to capitalise on business and tourism opportunities.
“We know international visitors stay longer and spend more, and share their experiences with friends and family, which is key to repeat visitation.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said international markets are critical for the Sunshine Coast as visitors stay longer and spend more in the region.
“Prior to COVID-19, international travellers represented more than 11 percent of our market and contributed $285 million to the economy,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“We believe we have the potential to strongly rebuild these markets, with our nature-based tourism offering being what international travellers are likely to be seeking for their next holiday.”
Positive words too from Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt called the announcement “terrific for the region”.
“The tourism sector is such a big part of the Sunshine Coast economy, and we’re committed to its growth and success,” Mr Hunt said.
“This investment will lead to increased employment opportunities, which will have a positive ripple effect through our communities up and down the coast.”
To date, the Queensland Government has invested more than $1 billion to help tourism and hospitality operators through the pandemic including $10 million in the 2021-22 budget to kickstart domestic aviation connectivity to the state.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
