Great news for the Tropical North as more charter flights head for Cairns
Published Wednesday, 26 November, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle today announced that six Qantas charter flights bringing tourists from Hong Kong and mainland China would visit Tropical North Queensland early next year.
The charters have been organised to coincide with Chinese New Year in late January and will bring up to 1,782 extra visitors from Hong Kong and mainland China into the region.
“This is particularly good news for the Tropical North which has had a tough 2008 in the wake of a continuing decline in the Japan market, cuts in air capacity, and a range of global economic effects,” Ms Boyle said.
“These announcements are a great news for Tropical North Queensland and are the result of discussions between the State Government, Tourism Queensland and the airlines.
“This follows the Queensland Government’s successful negotiation of three new weekly Jetstar flights between Cairns and the Gold Coast earlier this year.
“The announcement of these additional flights is a boost that Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry needs and will set the stage for a more positive 2009.”
Ms Boyle said in the year to June 30 2008, 16,000 Hong Kong and 54,000 Chinese visitors had spent time in Tropical North Queensland.
“Chinese visitors love our natural attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage listed rainforest and native animals,” she said.
“They are also interested in our indigenous culture and the region’s shopping opportunities.”
Ms Boyle said operators interested in increasing their share of the Chinese-speaking market needed to realise that a “one size fits all” approach would not work.
“Operators need to tailor their product to meet Chinese visitors’ needs,” she said.
“Experiences such as horse riding for example should be offered as a short, sharp option, rather than a long, expensive option.
“Operators should also work together and use the resources of organisations such as Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
“Tourism Queensland has offices based in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan so get to know the staff there, consider taking part in trade missions such as the annual ‘Queensland on Tour’, participate in travel agent and media famils and meet with Chinese inbound tour operators.
“Even having a single flyer or brochure in Chinese will help promote your product.
“All of these activities will help operators gain a greater knowledge of how business is done in Chinese speaking countries and help increase the number of visitors coming to the region.”
Note:
Travel wholesalers underwrote 8 Hong Kong/Cairns Chinese New Year charters in 2008 using two A330s and six Boeing 767s. Total seats: 1,968
Qantas will underwrite the flights in 2009 flying 6 charters using the A330 only. Total seats: 1,782
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
The charters have been organised to coincide with Chinese New Year in late January and will bring up to 1,782 extra visitors from Hong Kong and mainland China into the region.
“This is particularly good news for the Tropical North which has had a tough 2008 in the wake of a continuing decline in the Japan market, cuts in air capacity, and a range of global economic effects,” Ms Boyle said.
“These announcements are a great news for Tropical North Queensland and are the result of discussions between the State Government, Tourism Queensland and the airlines.
“This follows the Queensland Government’s successful negotiation of three new weekly Jetstar flights between Cairns and the Gold Coast earlier this year.
“The announcement of these additional flights is a boost that Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry needs and will set the stage for a more positive 2009.”
Ms Boyle said in the year to June 30 2008, 16,000 Hong Kong and 54,000 Chinese visitors had spent time in Tropical North Queensland.
“Chinese visitors love our natural attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage listed rainforest and native animals,” she said.
“They are also interested in our indigenous culture and the region’s shopping opportunities.”
Ms Boyle said operators interested in increasing their share of the Chinese-speaking market needed to realise that a “one size fits all” approach would not work.
“Operators need to tailor their product to meet Chinese visitors’ needs,” she said.
“Experiences such as horse riding for example should be offered as a short, sharp option, rather than a long, expensive option.
“Operators should also work together and use the resources of organisations such as Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
“Tourism Queensland has offices based in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan so get to know the staff there, consider taking part in trade missions such as the annual ‘Queensland on Tour’, participate in travel agent and media famils and meet with Chinese inbound tour operators.
“Even having a single flyer or brochure in Chinese will help promote your product.
“All of these activities will help operators gain a greater knowledge of how business is done in Chinese speaking countries and help increase the number of visitors coming to the region.”
Note:
Travel wholesalers underwrote 8 Hong Kong/Cairns Chinese New Year charters in 2008 using two A330s and six Boeing 767s. Total seats: 1,968
Qantas will underwrite the flights in 2009 flying 6 charters using the A330 only. Total seats: 1,782
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010