Flights From Gold Coast a Positive for Wellington Tourism

Direct Flights From the Gold Coast a Positive for Wellington Tourism

Today’s announcement by Jetstar that it will begin flying three times a week direct between Wellington and the Gold Coast from mid-December is welcomed by Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT).

PWT Chief Executive David Perks says that the new service is a timely opportunity.

“Jetstar’s establishment of a regular, direct connection to Wellington follows a record year in Australian arrivals to the city. We’re naturally excited by the prospect of increased capacity from such a key international visitor market.”

According to the International Visitor Arrivals report, a record 142,608 Australians flew into Wellington in 2013 – an increase of 6.7% on 2012. The capital’s year-end growth was the largest of the country’s three major centres and compared to a national increase of 5.4%.

“We’ve also seen an increase in longer-haul arrivals to the city in recent years,” Mr. Perks says “so providing those visitors with new options to link to Wellington is a real bonus.”

2013 also saw a total of 186,096 direct international visitor arrivals to Wellington, beating the previous record – the Rugby World Cup year of 2011 – by 5.6%.

Increasing links with important urban centres in Australia also provides Wellington with benefits beyond tourism, Mr. Perks says.

“As Wellington seeks to attract people here for employment, business and business events it is absolutely essential that we are able to deliver a lifestyle that is competitive in Australasian terms. Adding an easy, cost-effective connection to the Gold Coast can only enhance Wellington’s appeal as a place to live, work, learn and do business.”

ENDS

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