Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says airlines have reported a “huge surge” in demand for trans-Tasman flights to Queensland following the announcement of a COVID-safe travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia from April 19.
She said airlines had added more than 230 extra flights per week to New Zealand’s major airports following the news.
“After a tough year for our tourism industry, things are starting to look up for many operators in some of our most important visitor destinations,” the Premier said.
“We’re investing millions of dollars in new marketing campaigns and to fast-track direct flights back to Queensland because we know this is an important part of our economic recovery plan.
“We’ve seen good numbers to many regions over Easter and with more flights from New Zealand, we’re expecting numbers to grow in coming weeks.
“We’re Good to Go and ready to welcome these visitors to Queensland.
New data released today shows close to 146,000 people flew into Queensland’s largest airports over the Easter long weekend. 38,000 flew into Cairns, 50,000 flew into the Gold Coast, 40,000 into Brisbane and 17,900 to the Sunshine Coast.
Meanwhile searches on Expedia.co.nz have surged by almost 460% compared to last week.
