Cairns ready to take flight
TOURISM Minister Kate Jones has funds ready for any airline in the world that wants to fly directly to Cairns.
Ms Jones told the Cairns Post that the money was on the table yesterday when she was in town for the new Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) board’s first meeting.
She said Cairns Airport was still vying to have Emirates join its direct international flights, however it was up to the Dubai-based airline to make the next move.
“We have money available. It’s more about when they're ready to come,” she said.
“From our perspective, we’ve rolled out the red carpet for any airline in the world to say we have the money on the table and we want to work with you.
“From our end what I can control as the tourism minister is making sure we have more money than ever before to attract flights.”
TEQ chairman Brett Godfrey, who was formerly Virgin Australia’s founding chief executive, said the improvement of tourism facilities in Cairns would also attract new flights.
“We can get moved up the rungs so to speak. Hopefully we’ll rise from top 12 (destinations) to top two to flying here,” he said.
The TEQ board had its first meeting at the Boland’s Centre yesterday with new board members, including NRL legend Johnathan Thurston.
Mr Thurston said joining the team was a new challenge after leaving the North Queensland Cowboys.
“This is the first board appointment that I’ve had, so I’m really excited about what lies ahead,” he said.
“I’m passionate about Queensland and the work that I’ve done. Tourism is a big industry here in Queensland so I’m excited about being able to work on the board.
“It’s great that the board members can get out into the community and see what’s going on.”