Key facts

> Scoot has announced that the Gold Coast will be the second new route in its international expansion plans, which will add valuable air capacity, improve access and attract new international tourists.

> The five times weekly service announced by the fledging low cost carrier represents a further new international long-haul air route for Australian tourism and commerce.

Key quotes

> "For Australia to take out the first two spots in Scoot’s rapidly expanding route network is fantastic news for our industry, and for the Gold Coast which is already witnessing something of a tourism renaissance, with the impressive new hotel developments of last year and more investment in the pipeline, boosted by last year’s 2018 Commonwealth Games award." Andrew McEvoy, Managing Director, Tourism Australia

Full story

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy believes today’s announcement by Scoot, to make the Gold Coast the second new route in its international expansion plans, will add valuable air capacity, improve access and attract new international tourists from Singapore and the wider, fast-growing markets of Asia.

The five times weekly service announced by the fledging low cost carrier represents a further new international long-haul air route for Australian tourism and commerce.

“For Australia to take out the first two spots in Scoot’s rapidly expanding route network is fantastic news for our industry, and for the Gold Coast which is already witnessing something of a tourism renaissance, with the impressive new hotel developments of last year and more investment in the pipeline, boosted by last year’s 2018 Commonwealth Games award," said Mr McEvoy.
 
“Singapore is one of our biggest and fastest growing inbound markets, and Scoot’s low cost model will undoubtedly give us greater exposure to new customers within the wider South East Asia region, which continues to demonstrate strong growth and a big appetite for travel to Australia.   

Mr McEvoy said the intra-Asia aviation market is forecast to expand significantly in the next decade, with airlines in the region holding strong forward aircraft orders and overseas airline groups planning to capitalise on the opportunity.    

"With Australia sitting on the periphery of the region it is vital that our aviation development strategy keeps Australian routes on their consideration list and leverages partnerships to secure the additional capacity we need to reach our 2020 growth targets.
 
“Tourism Australia is seeking to play a more strategic role in the aviation arena, using targeted marketing resources and strong partnerships with new and existing airlines to help grow competitive aviation capacity to our country," Mr McEvoy said.
 
Singapore represents Australia's sixth largest inbound tourism markets for international visitors. 317,000 Singaporeans visited Australia in the twelve months to the end of November 2011, up 3.7 per cent on the previous year.

Tourism Australia estimates that the Singapore market has the potential to grow to between $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion in overnight spending by 2020.

07 February 2012