Today's Jetstar announcement of two additional Tasman routes, including the launch of its first international service to Wellington, is a boost to New Zealand's tourism industry, says the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

The airline will start flying three times a week between Wellington – Gold Coast and three times a week Queenstown – Gold Coast from December.

“Australia is New Zealand's largest visitor market but one that still offers plenty of opportunity for growth,” says TIA Policy & Research Manager Simon Wallace.

He says the new Jetstar services are an example of the industry's Tourism 2025 growth framework in action.

“Tourism 2025 identifies increased sustainable air connectivity as critically important to boosting the industry's value from its current NZ$24 billion a year to NZ$41 billion by 2025.

“When new sustainable air connections are established, the whole industry benefits. We encourage tourism operators in the Wellington and Otago regions to do all they can to support Jetstar to make a success of the new services.”

Mr Wallace says TIA's 2014 Tourism Election Manifesto highlights the tourism industry's value to regions throughout New Zealand, including Wellington and Queenstown.

“New, sustainable airline connections will help drive up visitor arrivals, which in turn grows regional wealth and jobs.”

Ann-Marie Johnson | Communications Manager | ann-marie.johnson@tianz.org.nz
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