2000 more international visitors a week scoot to the Gold Coast

Premier Anna Bligh has today announced a major aviation deal with a new airline - worth an estimated $65 million a year - which will bring thousands of international travellers to the Gold Coast each week.

"This is a multi-million blueprint partnership between government and industry which will open up overseas markets and support Queensland businesses and local jobs," Ms Bligh said.

"Under the new deal with low-cost carrier Scoot, an offshoot of Singapore Airlines, we will be welcoming up to 2,000 international visitors who will be flying direct into the Gold Coast on five Scoot flights each week.

"This is the first partnership of its kind under the Queensland Government's aviation strategy, injecting up to $65 million per year into the local economy, with all levels of government and industry at the table.

"Our Government is working hard to support important industries like this right across the State."

The Premier and Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt announced the partnership with Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson and Gold Coast Tourism Chairman and Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan.

"Scoot commences the new five weekly flights from June 12 and having the Gold Coast as one of the airline's first destinations is fantastic news for tourism and another show of confidence in Queensland," Ms Jarratt said.

"This agreement has come about thanks to the commitment of all of the partners to work together for the tourism industry and it's a blueprint for what can be achieved with hard work and good will.

"Aviation access is a key to unlocking Queensland destinations like the Gold Coast to international visitors and, with the explosion of low-cost carriers over recent years, it's crucial that we remain competitive in terms of price and ease of access.

"That's exactly what this partnership represents."

Ms Jarratt said Singapore Airlines had long been a major carrier into Australia and having the Gold Coast selected as one of the first international destinations for its new low-cost off-shoot demonstrated the potential the airline has identified in the destination and the corporate confidence it has in the city.

"Scoot has indicated that its first year destinations will also include China, so the option of one-stop connections to the Gold Coast from mainland China will add even more potential for the region," she said.

"Asia represents the greatest growth potential for Queensland's tourism industry and increasing air capacity into Queensland from Asia is our long-term goal."

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the regular services would position the Gold Coast on a new level as an international destination for Singaporeans and was the result of a determined effort by the consortium in pursuing and doing the deal to bring the airline to Queensland.

"The Gold Coast has today achieved a new standing as an international destination with regular direct flights from the Asian hub of Singapore unlocking a massive network of access and promotional opportunities," Mr Winter said.

"The city was convincingly represented by the cross-agency consortium of Gold Coast Tourism, Gold Coast Airport, Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia in pursuing, negotiating and securing this milestone commitment to the Gold Coast's tourism industry.

"We welcome Scoot to the Gold Coast, just as we look forward to welcoming thousands of their passengers every week from across Asia to enjoy some famous Gold Coast fun."
Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said Scoot was all about offering great value, fun and a unique attitude, "Scootitude".

"Where else in Australia offers more value and fun than the Gold Coast? And Singapore, with so many new developments in recent years, has reinvented itself to become one of Asia's hottest leisure destinations," Mr Wilson said.
"Scoot's connecting these two great locations is therefore a perfect fit. Choice.

Empowerment. Great value airfares. Direct access to one of the world's premier air hubs. Scoot's arrival should be as exciting for Queensland as it is for us!"

Flights will go on sale in coming months with Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism to work with key travel industry players in Singapore to promote the new route and encourage Singaporeans to think of Queensland for their next holiday.