Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are major boost to Gold Coast Tourism
Published Friday, 28 September, 2007 at 01:58 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
In a major coup for the Gold Coast, Malaysian airline Air Asia X will commence direct flights from Kuala Lumpur in November.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the four flights a week are a big boost for Gold Coast tourism.
“It’s estimated Air Asia X will bring around 123,000 passengers to South East Queensland every year.
“Those visitors will spend an estimated $48.5 million a year … pumping up the economy and creating tourism jobs.
“If Air Asia X moves to daily direct flights that would increase incoming passengers to around 216,000.
“I’m told at least two other interstate airports were vying for Air Asia X’s business.
“My congratulations to former Tourism Minister Margaret Keech who led the push to bring Air Asia X here. My congratulations also to Tourism Queensland, the Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism who worked closely in partnership to entice the airline
“The Gold Coast has been chosen as the first international destination for Air Asia X. China, which is an important emerging market for the Coast, will follow as the airline’s second international stop.
“That means more than 600 million South East Asian residents will be able to access low-cost flights to the Gold Coast - the potential is huge.
“The introduction of new airlines is key to growing the Gold Coast region’s $794 million international tourist market.
“Over the past year more than 829,600 international tourists visited the Gold Coast staying a total of 7.4 million international visitor nights.”
Child Safety Minister and Member for Albert Margaret Keech said: "This is great news for the Gold Coast. Air access is so important for increasing tourism.
“I'm really proud of what has been achieved here and congratulations to Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism for all their hard work."
Ms Boyle said Gold Coast Airport had made a significant investment in infrastructure to attract international airlines.
“Under the guidance of parent company Queensland Airports Limited, Gold Coast Airport has recently undergone a $25 million runway upgrade and is currently undergoing a $100 million terminal upgrade.
“Gold Coast Airport should be commended for its commitment to making facilities more appealing to international airline carriers.
“Air Asia X is the first of what I hope is many more international airlines who decide to fly into Queensland via the Gold Coast,” Ms Boyle said.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2004
28 September 2007
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the four flights a week are a big boost for Gold Coast tourism.
“It’s estimated Air Asia X will bring around 123,000 passengers to South East Queensland every year.
“Those visitors will spend an estimated $48.5 million a year … pumping up the economy and creating tourism jobs.
“If Air Asia X moves to daily direct flights that would increase incoming passengers to around 216,000.
“I’m told at least two other interstate airports were vying for Air Asia X’s business.
“My congratulations to former Tourism Minister Margaret Keech who led the push to bring Air Asia X here. My congratulations also to Tourism Queensland, the Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism who worked closely in partnership to entice the airline
“The Gold Coast has been chosen as the first international destination for Air Asia X. China, which is an important emerging market for the Coast, will follow as the airline’s second international stop.
“That means more than 600 million South East Asian residents will be able to access low-cost flights to the Gold Coast - the potential is huge.
“The introduction of new airlines is key to growing the Gold Coast region’s $794 million international tourist market.
“Over the past year more than 829,600 international tourists visited the Gold Coast staying a total of 7.4 million international visitor nights.”
Child Safety Minister and Member for Albert Margaret Keech said: "This is great news for the Gold Coast. Air access is so important for increasing tourism.
“I'm really proud of what has been achieved here and congratulations to Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism for all their hard work."
Ms Boyle said Gold Coast Airport had made a significant investment in infrastructure to attract international airlines.
“Under the guidance of parent company Queensland Airports Limited, Gold Coast Airport has recently undergone a $25 million runway upgrade and is currently undergoing a $100 million terminal upgrade.
“Gold Coast Airport should be commended for its commitment to making facilities more appealing to international airline carriers.
“Air Asia X is the first of what I hope is many more international airlines who decide to fly into Queensland via the Gold Coast,” Ms Boyle said.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2004
28 September 2007