BLIGH GOVERNMENT SECURES NEW CAIRNS-GOLD COAST FLIGHTS

In a major coup for Tropical North Queensland, the Bligh Government has negotiated a deal with Jetstar that will see for the first time commercial flights connecting two of the state’s most important tourism icons.

Premier Anna Bligh made the announcement today following recent negotiations with the domestic carrier.

“I know how much the Tropical North’s tourism industry has suffered this year and my Government is committed to supporting the regions through this,” Ms Bligh said.

“As part of our efforts with Tourism Australia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland we have negotiated three new weekly Jetstar flights between Cairns and the Gold Coast.

“In a further boost, these flights will connect with Queensland-bound Japan flights, increasing Japanese access to the Far North.

“This will open up a range of great new tourism opportunities for the Tropical North and the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Research shows that Asian travellers like to make multiple destination visits while on holiday – this new arrangement supports that.

“Under our Q2 vision, my Government is committed to growing and strengthening key industries such as tourism, and greater airline capacity into great destinations like the far north are an essential part of this,” she said.

Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle is in Cairns today where a meeting with Qantas Group leaders and senior tourism industry members is taking place.

“This meeting has been coordinated by Tourism Queensland Chairman Don Morris to provide an opportunity for the local industry to speak first-hand with the Qantas and Jetstar chiefs,” Ms Boyle said.

“It is great to see Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon and incoming CEO Alan Joyce as well as Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan making the time to visit Cairns and speak face-to-face with our industry,” she said.

Ms Boyle added that the Bligh Government’s $4 million tourism assistance package announced at the peak of the international tourism crisis had helped soften the economic impacts on tourism but government, aviation and tourism industries needed to keep working together.

“It goes without saying that the current economic climate has been particularly tough for both the tourism industry and the global aviation industry and it’s important we work together on win-win outcomes.

“I am pleased to say that the Bligh Government, and in particular Tourism Queensland, has been working closely with Qantas and Jetstar as well as other domestic and international carriers on a range of proposals to boost air access to Queensland.

Ms Boyle said the Queensland Government had an existing agreement to provide tactical marketing support of Jetstar international flights from Japan to both the Gold Coast and Cairns, which collectively operate 19 times weekly to Japan by Christmas.

“In addition Tourism Queensland continues to lead a very effective cooperative tactical marketing partnership with Qantas and Tourism Tropical North Queensland called ‘Team Cairns’ to support international flights to Cairns,” she said.

“This fabulous initiative has been running for several years and this year will see us combine our marketing clout to target flights from the US, the UK, Europe, Hong Kong and China.

“And I am delighted to be working on a new team approach for Japan incorporating Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and Jetstar.”

Media Contact: Premier's Office 3224 4500