Today’s official announcement that Singapore Airlines will commence direct international flights between Singapore and Canberra four times a week is a significant win for the ACT visitor economy, said the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF).

“We can mark on the calendar that today is the day that we can finally light up the word ‘international’ in Canberra International Airport,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.

“The ACT is an international tourist’s dream – home to some of Australia’s best food and wine experiences, cultural and sporting events, and iconic national attractions. With these new air services, more international visitors will be able to experience what Canberra has to offer.

“This is a significant commercial decision by Singapore Airlines to commence these four weekly direct international services between Asia and Canberra which reflects the growing maturity of both Canberra as an international destination of choice and the Asian love affair with Australia’s culture and heritage.

“It should not be forgotten that this announcement by Singapore Airlines also means that Canberra with have direct flights with New Zealand via Wellington. This is a market that with over 1.2 million New Zealanders visiting Australia every year is our largest source of overseas visitors.

“Attracting international flights to the nation’s capital is an important component of growing Canberra’s visitor market and reaching its goal of boosting overnight visitor expenditure to $2.5 billion by 2020.

“Canberra Airport should be congratulated for investing in a new terminal that means the Airport is ‘international-ready’ with two gates able to be dedicated to international flights with the longer-term potential to grow to 20 gates.

“Today’s historic announcement could not have been achieved without the determination of Canberra Airport and VisitCanberra in securing this fantastic partnership with Singapore Airlines. TTF has been a strong supporter of attracting international flights to the ACT for a number of years.

“We all want to see the new direct international flights to Canberra be a success and the start of a growing choice of airlines and destinations that will support the expansion of the ACT visitor economy and more jobs for the region.”