Bumper figures make for a very merry Cairns Christmas

The introduction of China Eastern’s direct service between Cairns and Shanghai and interest in the Solar Eclipse have provided a significant and welcome boost to the Cairns tourism industry.

Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the airport had been bustling, with recorded passenger movements throughout November sky high.

“The new service introduced by China Eastern in October is performing well and while it was initially scheduled for a trial period until the end of March 2013, I am thrilled to see it was quickly extended to run for a full year,” Ms Stuckey said.

“To date the flights have been well utilised with the inbound flights consistently full and good loads on the outbound flights as well.

“Aviation access is vital to boosting visitor numbers and through our $8 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund we have been able to deliver this great new service in partnership with China Eastern and Cairns Airport, with support from Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.”

Member for Cairns Gavin King said China was currently the fastest growing visitor market for the Tropical North Queensland region.

“The direct services from mainland China are a vital component in continuing this growth,” Mr King said.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming China Southern to Cairns next year as they include 14 charters from Guangzhou during the 2013 Chinese New Year period.”

Ms Stuckey said this year’s biggest natural phenomenon, the Solar Eclipse, had also delivered spectacularly for the Cairns region.

“A total of 177,552 passengers arrived in Cairns during November, an 11 per cent increase compared to 2011,” she said.

“The most significant increase in the number of arriving passengers occurred during the week immediately preceding the Eclipse and there was an increase in departing passengers in the period just after the Eclipse.

“The daily total for arriving passengers peaked on November 12 at just below 8,000, 70 per cent higher compared to the same day last year. A similar number departed on November 16.

“These figures have well and truly surpassed last year’s recordings, with domestic passenger numbers the highest recorded during the month of November and the international figures being the highest since 2009.

“Queensland is a great State with great opportunity and our Government will continue to listen to the industry and work with the people on the ground to support tourism right across the State.”

[ENDS] 21 December 2012                                       

Media Contact: Minister’s Office: 3224 2004