Gold Coast welcomes Air New Zealand planes

             MEDIA RELEASE

Friday March 28, 2008

Gold Coast welcomes the touch down of Air New Zealand planes

Air New Zealand’s first direct flight to the Gold Coast will depart Auckland this Sunday allowing nomadic Kiwis to travel to one of their favourite holiday destinations with their national carrier.

The new route will be welcomed by many of the 221,000 Kiwis who visit the Gold Coast each year for holidays, business or to visit some of the 26,000 New Zealander’s living on the Gold Coast.

“Having the premium ‘tail’ into the Gold Coast is a real mark of the confidence Air New Zealand has in the Gold Coast as a destination,” says Ben Pole, spokesperson for Gold Coast Tourism.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan welcomed the airline as an important milestone for the tourism on both sides of the Tasman.

“Air New Zealand bring with it a link with the Star Alliance network which means travellers can connect with international destinations like London and LA,” he says.

Prior to Air New Zealand’s arrival, routes to the Gold Coast from New Zealand were dominated by budget carriers.

The Tourism body is anticipating a flock of Kiwis to the city during June for Gold Coast Bazaar08, a month long festival of fashion, food and fun.

“With the temperature usually in the mid twenties, visiting us in June means you get sunshine and beach time and can take advantage of all the fantastic events on during Gold Coast Bazaar,” says Ben.

Air New Zealand will fly direct to the Gold Coast from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

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