Tuesday, 26 May 2020
Recent polling commissioned by Tourism Australia and Newcastle Airport shows locals have a much stronger willingness to return to air travel in the short to medium term than their compatriots across the nation.
Hunter residents have indicated they are twice as likely to travel for leisure than the rest of the country in the next three months and are actively researching and planning their next holiday. A huge 86% intend taking a trip within the next 12 months.
Further, 43% of those keen to undertake air travel in the next three months see getting the right connections from Newcastle Airport as having the most positive influence on their decision.
Importantly for airlines, 22% of people said low cost airfares would have the biggest impact on their decision to fly again.
Speaking today, Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the polling results came at an important time for the region.
“We’ve been in positive discussions with airlines about a resumption of services to and from our region, so the message this polling sends will certainly support our case for more flights,” he said.
“A very high proportion of our region are keen to travel once restrictions are lifted and they require our help to connect them to the rest of the country. In our efforts to be the airport our region deserves; we feel compelled to do the best we can to support that demand.
“Our community have also sent a strong signal that they want travelling to be safe and we have ensured appropriate measures are in place. This is in addition to the programs being implemented by airlines such as the Qantas Fly Well initiative.”
“Of course, it’s not just local people who want to travel that will benefit - our regional tourism destinations will clearly be the beneficiaries of an increase in leisure travel in the coming weeks and months."
“We know that travel within NSW begins in earnest on 1 June, which is great for places such as Newcastle, Port Stephens and Hunter Wine Country,” he said.
“We think that, with no international travel on the horizon, the airport can drive real outcomes for the local visitor economy through domestic interstate connections at a time they are so desperately needed.”
Ends.