Tourism boost for the Whitsundays
Almost 10 years since it last flew between Sydney and Great Barrier Reef Airport, Qantas has today returned to the route with the direct service expected to boost travel options for domestic and international customers heading to the Whitsundays.
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.
Qantas Domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi said the airline was delighted to be flying back to the region
“Our customers told us that they wanted direct access to the Whitsundays on a premium leisure service from Sydney. Today we respond to that demand and complement Jetstar’s existing flights as part of our two-brand strategy,” he said.
It’s expected the new route will improve tourism for the Whitsundays' 74 tropical islands, including the renowned Hamilton Island and the ultra-luxury One&Only Hayman Island which opened yesterday.
The One&Only resort has undergone a multi-million dollar redevelopment in a bid to "redefine luxury" for the Australian market. The private island now boasts new accommodation and redesigned spaces for its visitors.
The design, interiors and landscape architecture are the result of collaboration between Kerzner International Development and DBI Design.
Queensland minister for tourism Tracy Davis described the new Qantas service as “a major show of confidence in the state’s tourism industry”, particularly with it coinciding with the opening of the new resort.
“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,” Davis said.
“Both Qantas and resort operator One&Only clearly believe the future’s bright for tourism in Queensland and I certainly agree with them.”
Visitor spending in the region grew by 14% to $706 million last year.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airlines one&only qantas the whitsundaysLatest News
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