Tourism flying high with half a million new seats to Queensland

Another two major Asian airlines will boost their services to Queensland this year bringing the number of new inbound seats to the state to more than 500,000.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones today said EVA Air and AirAsia X would increase their services from Taiwan and Malaysia.

“These new flights will bring a potential 44,000 additional visitors into Queensland, with an economic benefit of $66 million to the state,” Ms Jones said.

“The latest international visitor figures released this week show tourism across the state is booming with increasing demand particularly from the Asian region.

“The Palaszczuk Government has secured additional international flights expected to bring at least 500,000 more visitors to Queensland and up to $350 million for our economy every year.”

Ms Jones said EVA Air would add two additional flights per week to their existing year-round service from Taiwan to Brisbane from October flying five-times weekly year-round.

AirAsia X will increase its frequency from seven to 11 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur into the Gold Coast from July. 

Ms Jones said the additional flights were secured through the Palaszczuk Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.

“These are two very important travel hubs for Queensland,” she said.

“Brisbane is EVA Air’s only Australian port, ensuring the state remains a destination of choice for visitors from Greater China.

“Taiwan is also a major international port for greater Chinese and Japanese visitors. 

“AirAsia X currently services 18 destination in mainland China, Taipei and 12 cities in India. More direct flights out of Kuala Lumpur provide a direct connection for greater China and Indian travellers to the Gold Coast.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said attracting more international routes was a key factor in driving tourism growth.

“We are seeing unprecedented growth from key markets so it is critical we continue to expand our routes and capacity to meet this increased demand,” Ms Coddington said.

“Providing the experiences which inspire travellers to make the journey is vital. This is why we are working hand in hand with industry to inspire more international visitors to experience the best address on earth.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe said: “EVA Air has been a quality and loyal customer of Brisbane Airport for well over two decades now.

“It is wonderful to have them raise their Brisbane schedule up to such a level. This will surely see their patronage, especially from the all-important corporate market, grow in leaps and bounds.” 

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter welcomed the additional flights out of Kuala Lumpur.

“It confirms the enduring interest Malaysians have in the Gold Coast and we anticipate a significant increase in visitation from those hubs serviced by AirAsia X’s ever-expanding network throughout Asia,” Mr Winter said.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the increases in services is a direct response to strong demand on the popular Gold Coast-Kuala Lumpur service.

“AirAsia X has played a key role in delivering affordable air travel to and from South East Queensland since they commenced services to Gold Coast Airport in 2007,” Ms Charlton said. 

“The increase to 11 services per week will provide an additional 78,000 inbound seats per year which is great news for the local tourism industry.

“The Gold Coast – Kuala Lumpur service is vital for the Gold Coast as it improves connectivity with major international markets including China and India via Kuala Lumpur as a hub.”