Qantas launches flights to the Whitsundays after visitor spending grew by 14% last year

Qantas has begun direct services between Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef Airport, after visitor spending in the Whitsundays region grew by 14% to $706 million last year, said eGlobal Travel Media.

Qantas Domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi described Sydney as the gateway to Australia for millions of Qantas passengers every year. “These passengers can now enjoy direct access to one of the country’s most iconic holiday destinations,” he said.

“Our new service also gives these customers a premium aviation product to complement Jetstar’s existing flights as part of our two-brand strategy.”

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Recent research from Roy Morgan showed the area is predicted to see continual growth as the Queensland Government is set to invest $3.1 million into Queensland tourism.

Queensland’s minister for tourism Tracy Davis said the Whitsundays’ future is looking even brighter thanks to the latest investments in its tourism sector. “Qantas’ decision to commence two return weekly services between Sydney and Hamilton Island will open the skies to more than 10,000 additional visitors a year.”

The Queensland Government’s 20-year plan for tourism, outlines the need to deliver "quality" experiences to customers. “We have a strong plan for a brighter future and we’re working hard to achieve our goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020,” Davis said.

Qantas will operate three flights a week on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during peak season (July and September through to January) and bi-weekly services on Wednesday and Sunday off peak.

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