Last week, the Queensland government unveiled its first set of new air routes, enhancing connectivity and tourism in the region. Among these developments is a new daily flight from Virgin Australia connecting Brisbane to Doha, which Brisbane Airport’s CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, described as the most significant capacity increase between Queensland and Europe in two years. Additionally, Jetstar is introducing two new direct flights from New Zealand to the Gold Coast. This expansion reflects an aggressive strategy to boost international travel to Queensland and strengthen its position as a key destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a related announcement, Air New Zealand has committed to adding 1.7 million seats available for travel between Australia and New Zealand over the summer season. This includes a significant increase of 18,400 new seats specifically for flights between Brisbane and Auckland. The data highlighting these developments shows that New Zealand has become Brisbane’s largest international market, with 248,000 visitors recorded during the review period. Following New Zealand are the United Kingdom, the USA, China, and South Korea, demonstrating the diverse international interest in Brisbane.
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s CEO, Anthony Ryan, emphasized that the city’s growing international tourism is the result of strategic planning and cooperation among various stakeholders. Their collaborative efforts aim at securing major events, enhancing aviation links, and effectively marketing Brisbane as an attractive travel destination. This deliberate strategy has placed Brisbane on the global travel map, further solidified by recognition from prestigious media outlets like Time Magazine and Frommer’s.
Brisbane’s appeal as a travel hotspot has also been bolstered by the development of vibrant precincts such as Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank, and James Street. These areas have transformed the city into a must-visit location for both domestic and international travelers. Furthermore, the Queen’s Wharf precinct, anticipated to draw 1.4 million visitors annually and enhance Brisbane’s profile ahead of the 2032 Olympics, has not been prominently featured in recent tourism initiatives due to financial challenges faced by Star Entertainment.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Queen’s Wharf, Ryan maintains that it is still a vital asset for Brisbane. He pointed out that the precinct plays a critical role in connecting areas like South Bank, contributing to the overall accessibility and attractiveness of the city. The physical infrastructure provided by Queen’s Wharf is seen as invaluable to Brisbane’s ongoing tourism efforts, highlighting the need for stability and support amidst current challenges.
In conclusion, the recent flight announcements and growth in international tourism reflect broader efforts by Queensland’s government and stakeholders to energize the local economy and promote Brisbane as a premier global destination. The successful collaboration in securing new routes and enhancing air travel capacity showcases strategic foresight, fostering optimism for future growth, especially in light of the upcoming international spotlight from events like the 2032 Olympics. The development of iconic precincts and ongoing marketing efforts will continue to play pivotal roles in this ongoing transformation.
