Tuesday 09 October 2007

LAUNCESTON AIRPORT IS A MILLIONAIRE!
Launceston Airport and northern Tasmania are celebrating a significant milestone today with the arrival of the one-millionth passenger at the airport this year.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, this morning headed up the welcoming party as the two passengers – one arriving on Jetstar and the other departing on Virgin Blue – crossed paths at Launceston Airport.

“This is the first time that Launceston Airport has had one million passengers passing through the airport in a single year – a phenomenal achievement for the airport and confirmation of the popularity of the region as a holiday destination,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Partnerships between the tourism and aviation industries and the commitment of the major airlines have been integral to the region’s growth.”

The results of the 2006-2007 Tasmanian Visitor Survey showed a rise of 17.4 per cent in visitors staying one night or more in northern Tasmania from the previous year.

“Tourism in northern Tasmania has also been buoyed by the enormous success of the Government’s Hawthorn Football Club sponsorship and the work of Northern Tasmania Development and Tourism Tasmania in actively marketing the region.”

The milestone of one million passengers in a year comes as Launceston prepares for the exciting arrival of Tiger Airways in Tasmania at the end of November 2007.

“The success of the Government’s partnerships with the State’s airports and the major airlines has seen improved visitor access to our island, resulting in more flights at the right time and the right price.”

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au