Tourism boost as airport passenger numbers grow

The outlook for Queensland’s tourism industry is bright with passenger numbers soaring through the State’s airports.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said recent passenger data from Queensland’s airports revealed solid growth over the past financial year which was an encouraging sign for the industry.

“Passenger numbers grew 6.8 per cent through the four Queensland Airports Limited locations – Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa, and Longreach over the 2012/2013 financial year,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Gold Coast Airport passenger numbers in particular grew nine per cent over the same period to almost 5.8 million.

“In the north of the State, Cairns Airport figures show international and domestic passenger numbers grew by 4.4 per cent to more than 4.4 million during the same time.”

“This is fantastic news for Queensland and shows people still see our state as a top tourist destination.”

Ms Stuckey said there was more positive news, with Scoot’s direct Singapore-Gold Coast service, launched just over a year ago, delivering an economic boost of $100 million in visitor expenditure for Queensland.

“Last week Garuda Indonesia returned to Brisbane operating direct daily services, presenting opportunities for the tourism industry in growing Indonesia’s influential business and incentive travel markets,” she said.

“These positive announcements are a vote of confidence for tourism operators and the Newman Government.”

Ms Stuckey said the Government would continue its work in partnership with industry to establish great opportunities for the State.

“Tourism is one of the four pillars of the State’s economy and the Government’s goal for the industry is to double annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020,” she said.

“Aviation access will play a key part in achieving this objective and the future sustainability of Queensland’s tourism industry.

“That’s why the Newman Government established an Attracting Aviation Investment Fund– to enhance existing aviation partnerships and secure new airline routes into Queensland.”

[ENDS] 9 August 2013

Media contact: James O’Loan 0439 291 268