Last July, the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund helped Jetstar to land a Tokyo-Gold Coast service.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said at the time that the Narita-Gold Coast flight was a return service, supported by the Fund to grow from three arrivals a week.
“As a direct flight from Japan, there is potential to support up to 1027 jobs over three years and generate $275 million in overnight visitor spending for the Gold Coast visitor economy,” he said.
“This service alone will deliver 350,701 inbound international seats to the Gold Coast over three years.”
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the direct flights mark an important milestone for Gold Coast’s international tourism recovery.
“Japan was our third largest international market prior to the pandemic and what’s more, was growing in visitation, nights and spend,” Ms O’Callaghan said
“We anticipate a welcome injection of visitors as a result of these flights.
“We know the Gold Coast is a highly sought-after destination for Japanese visitors who love everything from our 52-kilometres of golden beaches to unspoiled World Heritage-listed rainforest, native wildlife and cool urban precincts.
“These services demonstrate that the Queensland Aviation Attraction Fund is bearing fruit to give us a great head start to re-establish and attract new routes which is critical to Gold Coast’s recovery and growth.”
“This service alone will deliver 350,701 inbound international seats to the Gold Coast over three years.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe (July 2022)
Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said they were the first Australian carrier to relaunch flights between Japan and Australia.
“We’re already seeing a lot of pent-up demand from Japanese travellers eager to visit Australia,” Mr Evans said.
“Australia has always been a popular destination for Japanese. We’re excited to be able to reconnect the two countries, providing a significant tourism boost to Queensland.”
Tasman Aircraft 