The Queensland Government has announced a new fund to attract more direct air services to the state.
The Government says the new Connecting Queensland fund will support international and domestic aviation routes as part of a broader 20-year tourism plan to be unveiled this week.
Premier David Crisafulli said Connecting Queensland will have three key focuses:
- More frequent services: making it easier to get here and explore;
- Better connections to regions: putting every corner of Queensland on the map;
- Thousands of new jobs: powering local economies across the State.
“New connections will support jobs and opportunities in our great tourism businesses, especially in regional areas,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“More than 90 percent of tourism businesses in Queensland are small businesses, and every new flight connection brings more visitors, more investment and more support for our tourism operators.
“We’re maximising the opportunity from the global opportunity of the 2032 Games to grow our economy and develop more travel options for Queenslanders.”
Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said Connecting Queensland would deliver significant benefits across the state.
“Our 20-year tourism plan aims to ensure Queensland’s iconic attractions and regions are more accessible to the world, creating jobs and boosting local economies along the way,” Minister Powell said.
“Connecting Queensland strengthens Queensland’s international reach, but we will also support regional communities that rely on tourism to thrive.
“While Labor wanted to cut millions in tourism funding and tied the industry up in red tape, we’re unleashing our tourism operators so they can create new experiences for visitors.”
