The service will also strengthen economic ties with Singapore, including through trade and international education with Southern Cross University expanding their presence at Gold Coast Airport.
Singapore carrier Scoot will increase capacity of its Singapore to Gold Coast service to up to five times per week, generating a boost to the economy of up to $42.2 million.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed the increase in service from April 2018, attracting almost 19,000 extra passengers and supporting up to 170 jobs over the next 12 months.
“It’s great to continue to build on this successful service through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund in time for the pinnacle event of the year – the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – as well as other upcoming events popular with Singaporean travellers including the Gold Coast Marathon, which saw a 16 per cent increase from Singaporean participants in 2017,” she said.
“Singapore is an important international gateway for Queensland and this increased capacity will allow us to grow and better connect with this market, which is a major focus for Trade 2018 – the overarching Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Trade and Investment Program.”
“We look forward to continuing to promote Queensland as a premier holiday destination in Singapore, while also opening up access from other key markets connecting through this important international hub including the UK, India and China.”
“It is another vote of confidence in Queensland’s tourism industry and travellers will be able to enjoy the region’s outstanding natural beauty, from our world-famous beaches to our lush sub-tropical rainforests, as well as award-winning restaurants, warm local hospitality and, for thrill-seekers, our award-winning theme parks.”
“The service will also strengthen economic ties with Singapore, including through trade and international education with Southern Cross University expanding their presence at Gold Coast Airport.”
Scoot Country Manager Australia Jared Simcox said Gold Coast-Singapore flights had been expanded because of the popularity of the Gold Coast as a destination.
“The existing service has been doing well and passenger numbers continue to grow. From the time that people wake up and look at the window to get their first views of the Gold Coast, they have a smile on their face,” said Mr Simcox.
Gold Coast Airport CEO Marion Charlton said the announcement was a welcome addition in time for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“The increase in services is really well timed in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games – providing more opportunity for tourists to travel to the Gold Coast for the major event,” Ms Charlton said.
“We look forward to working with Scoot to ensure continued growth of these services into the future.”
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter congratulated Scoot on adding the extra service, which would directly benefit the visitor economy of the Gold Coast.
“Our partnership with Scoot was their first globally and has since delivered great results for both parties,” Mr Winter said.
“We currently welcome more than 30,000 visitors a year from Singapore to the Gold Coast and this will only increase with the expanded capacity.
“As a hub for travellers throughout Asia, the Singapore-direct service is also of major importance to us, and as markets mature, will bring travellers from throughout the region.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
