Regional economies will benefit from new air services

Regional economies will benefit from new air services

The return of competition on several regional air routes is being welcomed by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

Jetstar’s new regional air services starting today provide another option for both domestic and international travellers wanting to visit more of New Zealand, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says.

Local economies in the regions served by the new Jetstar services will benefit as visitors spend their money in local shops, markets, restaurants and bars.

The boost to local economies will mean jobs are created both directly in tourism and indirectly in sectors that service the visitor industry.

Tourism 2025 identified that air connectivity and regional dispersal are both crucial to increasing the tourism industry’s contribution to New Zealand’s economy and achieving the industry’s goal of $41 billion annual revenue by 2025, Mr Roberts says.

He emphasises that tourism operators and their communities will need to work together to support Jetstar’s new regional routes and ensure their sustainability.

“Jetstar has signalled that the initial five regional routes will build a strong base for considering more regional destinations. We support their approach of building up a sustainable network that will encourage visitors to get off the beaten track and see more of New Zealand.”

The new services will provide a strong regional distribution option for international visitors flying Qantas as well as Emirates, China Eastern, China Southern, American Airlines and their other partners, Mr Roberts says.

“We applaud Jetstar and the Qantas Group for showing a serious and long term commitment to New Zealand and our tourism industry,” Mr Roberts says.

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