Qld backs Jetstar’s Japan push with tourism campaign

Joint statement

Tropical North Queensland today received a boost with the announcement that ‘Jetstar’, the Qantas group’s low cost airline, will operate international services between Cairns and western Japan.

Acting Premier Anna Bligh, Minister for State Development John Mickel and Tourism Minister Margaret Keech agree that today’s announcement is not just great news for the Tropical North, but for all Queensland.

“The flow-ons of this will also mean gains for the rest of the State,” said Ms Bligh.

Jetstar’s decision to begin flights between Cairns and Nagoya and Osaka next year was partly due to support provided by the Queensland Government and the Cairns Port Authority, owners of Cairns International Airport.

Mr Mickel said that Tourism Queensland, the Department of State Development and Trade and the Cairns Port Authority have worked very hard on this.

“Our package includes a substantial joint-marketing campaign in western Japan to promote Tropical North Queensland - as well as the rest of Queensland - and to help build the Jetstar International brand.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has also contributed to this campaign.

“The services secure the future of Cairns International Airport – already Australia’s largest regional airport and the nation’s sixth busiest – as a northern gateway into Australia for international tourists.”

“At the end of October, Jetstar also introduced services to Singapore via Darwin further creating economic growth and jobs for the region.”

Mr Mickel said that research commissioned by the Cairns Port Authority estimated that more than 1200 jobs in the region will be protected as a result of the Jetstar announcement, along with tourism expenditure of more than $110 million a year.

"This is an excellent move to protect the sustainability of the route and we see great opportunities ahead for building capacity for travellers out of Asia,” said Mr Mickel.

Mrs Keech said that it is critical that Queensland protect and grow our Japanese tourism market, especially as we have increasing competition from other countries such as China, Vietnam, Hawaii and Guam.

“Cairns is a key component of the Queensland tourism market – 3.76 million domestic and international passengers passed through the Cairns International Airport in 2005-2006,” she said.

Media contact: Minister Mickel’s Office Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.