Kiwis headed to Queensland for the long New Zealand winter

More New Zealand travellers will head to Queensland this winter with the introduction of a new year-round Qantas service from Christchurch to Brisbane.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones today announced the service would commence in June and provide access for up to 28,000 more visitors to Queensland each year.

“The year-round Qantas service will include three-weekly flights increasing to four times weekly during the peak school holiday and winter periods,” Ms Jones said.

“New Zealand is one of Queensland’s largest international markets with 429,000 travellers spending more than $530 million in the year to September 2015.

“This agreement will further boost this vital market delivering up to $11 million in additional economic activity each year.”

Ms Jones said Tourism and Events Queensland secured the new flight as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitment for a $10 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.

“The Palaszczuk Government has secured additional international flights expected to bring 228,000 more visitors to Queensland and up to $298 million for our economy each year,” Ms Jones said.

“From Brisbane’s arts and cultural offering to the Gold Coast beaches, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the characters of the Outback, Queensland offers many exceptional and unique experiences for travellers.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe said the now year-round service was testament to the ability of seasonal services to create long-term demand.

“We saw positive growth in international passenger numbers through Brisbane Airport (BNE) in 2015 and this service is a perfect example of how seasonal routes can grow market demand which then turns into year round sustainable routes,” Ms Alroe said.

“The Brisbane-Christchurch service has performed extremely well and will deliver fantastic year round tourism opportunities with South Island New Zealanders having more options than ever for fast and convenient access to Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef and other regional attractions.”

Media: 0408 998 940