$200 million injected to fly international visitors to Queensland

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Cairns Airport. “I want to see more planes landing at our major airports – filled with tourists who want to experience Queensland" says the Premier

The Palaszczuk Government will partner with the private sector in a nation-leading deal announced today, investing $200 million to secure more direct international flights to Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government would invest $100 million matched dollar-for-dollar by the state’s largest four airports to secure flights and rebuild Queensland’s $6 billion international tourism industry.

“We know that more flights means more tourists. That’s why international aviation connectivity is absolutely critical to the economic recovery of Queensland’s tourism industry,” the Premier said.

Cairns Airport. Tourism Minister announces the appointment of experienced aviation professional Manny Gill to the new role of Strategic Aviation Director in the Department of Tourism.

“This is the largest investment of any Australian state or territory in securing inbound international flights after COVID-19.

“The agreement we’ve made this week will enable our airports to negotiate with airlines and fast-track more direct flights into Queensland.

“I want to see more planes landing at our major airports – filled with tourists who want to experience Queensland. That’s what this funding will help us achieve.

“I thank Queensland’s international airports for their commitment. This is another great example of the government working with the private sector to rebuild Queensland’s economy and create jobs.”

The combined $200 million international aviation investment is predicted to deliver more than 5.3 million airline seats per year, generating almost $4 billion.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the partnership with Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns international airports would supercharge the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to helping Queensland tourism operators rebuild better.

“Our airport partnership will target the international flights suspended by the pandemic, as well as new overseas connections,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Attracting international aviation is extremely competitive and that’s why we’re on the runway early to secure Queensland’s place on the destination boards of the world’s biggest airports.

“Queensland’s $200 million international aviation plan coincides with the pending launch of the successful ‘Good to Go’ campaign into Singapore and the UK.

“The domestic ‘Good to Go’ campaign generated $7 billion for Queensland tourism operators, who have been savaged by the loss of international visitors to the pandemic.

“Before Covid, international visitors spent two and half times more than interstate holidaymakers.

“Securing more international flights into Queensland airports also supports the State’s wider economy including food and freight exports and the return of up to 30,000 international students.

“The unprecedented size of our combined investment is set to deliver a significant return for Queenslanders by creating thousands of jobs and accelerating the Palaszczuk Government’s Economic Recovery Plan.

“We’ve listened to the airports and tourism operators and acted.”

Mr Hinchliffe also announced the appointment of experienced aviation professional Manny Gill to the new role of Strategic Aviation Director in the Department of Tourism.

Mr Gill will oversee the rebuild of Queensland domestic and international aviation routes.

“This is a crucial role that ensures we’re in a better position than any other Australian state or territory to satisfy pent-up global demand for the world-class tourism experiences only Queensland can offer,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

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