Gold Coast welcomes first Scoot passengers to Queensland

The Gold Coast has welcomed the first Scoot passengers flying direct from Singapore into Queensland onboard flight TZ6 as part of a deal worth $65 million to the local economy.

Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey was at Gold Coast Airport today to greet Singapore Airlines’ new low-cost carrier Scoot on its inaugural flight into Queensland.

“From today Scoot will operate five weekly services between Singapore and the Gold Coast, opening the doors for more than 100,000 extra international travellers to visit our shores each year,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The arrival of this flight is the result of extensive negotiations and a fantastic partnership between the airline, Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Airport.

“It’s a positive sign for our industry, has the potential to inject up to $65 million per year to the local economy and will open up more overseas markets.”

Ms Stuckey said Singapore was an important international gateway to Australia with connections to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US.

“Scoot has also announced ports in Tianjin and Bangkok providing greater access for Chinese and Thai visitors to fly one-stop to the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism have laid the groundwork, partnering in a marketing and promotional blitz to promote the new route and encourage Singaporeans to think of Queensland for their next holiday.

“Scoot released fares from $88 for flights between Singapore and the Gold Coast as part of its ‘Crazy Launch Sale’ on 22 March, selling tens thousands of seats in the first few days.

Scoot’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, echoed this, stating that ‘Bookings have exceeded expectations and demonstrated the demand for low-cost access into the state. Scoot is all about offering great value and has a fun attitude, Scootitude, which perfectly aligns with the Gold Coast’s Famous for Fun.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter welcomed Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson who travelled on the inaugural flight along with other airline VIPs and media.

“Today we welcome the first Scoot passengers to the Gold Coast, and over coming years we will welcome many hundreds of thousands more from across Asia to enjoy some famous Gold Coast fun,” Mr Winter said.

“The work of Gold Coast Tourism in developing the Asian travel market and the impact of the strong partnerships involved in this significant initiative will make a meaningful, positive impression on the $4 billion Gold Coast tourism industry and on the City of Gold Coast as a whole.”

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan said today’s arrival further cemented the Gold Coast’s status as an international travel destination of choice.

“Scoot’s commitment is testament to the ever-increasing appeal of the Gold Coast in the market,” Mr Donovan said.

“This service allows us to market the region as a direct short-haul destination to some of the most important tourism growth markets in the world.

“The fact that Scoot has chosen the Gold Coast as its second Australian base is a direct reflection of our international reputation as a leisure destination of choice.

“We are delighted to welcome Scoot to the Gold Coast and commend their commitment to the region.”

[ENDS] 12 June 2012

Media Contact:

Media information:

Minister Stuckey: 0417 277 905

Tourism Queensland: 3535 5474

Gold Coast Tourism: 5584 6220

Gold Coast Airport: 5589 1196