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Today’s announcement by the Federal Government that it would allow Emirates Airways to increase its flights to Australia will have a positive impact on Victoria’s tourism industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services Mark Vaile announced an agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Australian Government that will double the number of services between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane by 2011, following the conclusion of air services talks.
Emirates will be able to operate an additional 35 flights each week to Australia by 2011. The new arrangements will also allow new entrant Etihad Airways to operate an additional 21 flights each week to Australia by 2011.
This follows an agreement last week between Qatar and the Australian Government that will enable Qatar Airways to commence daily services to Melbourne
“Following the Qatar Airways decision, this represents is another strong step towards a more liberalised Australian aviation sector, and will underpin Victoria’s efforts to attract tourists, business travellers and corporate head offices”, says VTIC Chairman, Jeremy Johnson.
“Extra seat capacity has been the number one issue on VTIC’s lobbying agenda this year as extra seats will drive tourism growth. Travellers want direct, same plane international services - for example, a domestic flight from Melbourne to an international Sydney transfer adds 4 hours each way to a journey when check-in, flight time and Sydney terminal transfer is included.
“Foreign airlines are important to Melbourne because, they have largely delivered Melbourne’s international airline seat growth since 2000.
“We congratulate the Federal Government on their recent decisions and encourage them to continue to negotiate similar mutually beneficial air service agreements with their country of domicile”, says Mr Johnson.
Background - what is VTIC
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry. |