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The Queensland Government has announced a new fund to support aviation expansion in the state, including connections to India.
Dubbed the Connecting Queensland fund, the scheme replaces the former Labor government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, with details on its size expected in the next state budget. One of its goals will be to attract direct flights to India, said Premier David Crisafulli.
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“We do believe there is an opportunity as we emerge from a post-COVID world to take Queensland tourism to the next level,” he said.
“[India] is an important market, it’s one that there’s great synergies with us both economically and socially, and at a time when more people of Indian origin are coming to Queensland to live and invest, it’s important that we do have those direct flights.
“Now, over the years there’s been a lot of challenges and reasons why that’s been said that it couldn’t occur. We do believe that it is a live and kicking option now, and as the world looks at us ahead of 2032, the ability to connect with different parts of the globe is so essential, and that starts with a direct flight to India.”
According to state Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, the fund is part of a broader 20-year “Destination 2045” tourism plan.
“Our 20-year tourism plan aims to ensure Queensland’s iconic attractions and regions are more accessible to the world, creating jobs and boosting local economies along the way,” he said.
“Connecting Queensland strengthens Queensland’s international reach, but we will also support regional communities that rely on tourism to thrive.
“While Labor wanted to cut millions in tourism funding and tied the industry up in red tape, we’re unleashing our tourism operators so they can create new experiences for visitors.”
Queensland currently sees around 1.1 billion inbound seats per year, generating $2.4 billion in visitor expenditure, with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games expected to drive further growth.
The fund aims to attract more frequent services, better connect regional Queensland, and create thousands of new jobs, said Premier Crisafulli.
“New connections will support jobs and opportunities in our great tourism businesses, especially in regional areas,” he said.
“More than 90 percent of tourism businesses in Queensland are small businesses, and every new flight connection brings more visitors, more investment, and more support for our tourism operators.
“We’re maximising the opportunity from the global opportunity of the 2032 Games to grow our economy and develop more travel options for Queenslanders.”
