EXCITING NEW ERA IN AVIATION LINKS WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

An exciting new era in air links between Queensland and the Middle East was marked today with the launch of Etihad Airways services from Abu Dhabi to Brisbane.

Tourism Minister, Margaret Keech, said the new luxury airline would operate three weekly flights from September between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane.

“This new service will see Abu Dhabi become an important collection and distribution point for European and Middle Eastern visitors to Queensland,” Mrs Keech said.

“Etihad Airways’ decision to open services on this key route is a tremendous endorsement for Queensland as a leisure destination, and I applaud the airline on its undertaking.

“Through Tourism Queensland and the Department of State Development, the Beattie Government has worked closely with Etihad Airways to achieve this wonderful result.

“The Middle East is an emerging tourism market for Queensland, and the new flights introduce around 800 seats per week to operate between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi, via Singapore.

“Queensland’s tourism industry can only benefit from the convenience of another Middle Eastern hub for visitors from the UK and other western European markets to travel to Australia.

“Certainly, there is already a strong appreciation in the United Arab Emirates market for the great holiday and leisure opportunities Queensland offers.

“Each year we see improved growth in the number of visitors from the region, and the new Etihad Airways services are an added incentive for Middle Eastern travellers to choose Queensland for their next holiday experience.

“In the year ended March 2007 there were 16,700 visitors from the Middle East to Queensland. That’s predicted to increase annually by 11 percent on average in the ten years to 2016.”

Mrs Keech said Queensland is particularly popular with Middle Eastern families who love to escape their hot summer months of June and July for the sanctuary of Queensland’s temperate winter climate.

Media contact: Peter McCarthy (07) 3225 1005 / (0439) 761 416