The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has today welcomed news that Qantas will be returning services between Sydney and the Sunshine Coast as well as launch services between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

“Aviation access is a key determinant in the success of a destination. Additional investment in new routes such as these is particularly important at a time when tourism is quickly moving to become Australia’s largest service export industry,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said today.

“Both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast have long sustained their reputation as popular holiday destinations for domestic and international visitors alike, with both regions ranked in the top 10 destinations in Australia (by total visitor numbers and expenditure).

“They also serve as gateways to regional economies highly influenced by tourism. In 2014, the Gold Coast hosted over 11 million visitors who collectively spent over $4.6 billion in the region. In the same year the Sunshine Coast hosted over 8 million visitors who collectively spent over $2.6 billion.

“Connecting Australia’s major cities with popular Queensland regions will increase options for domestic travellers looking to travel more in their own backyard.

“More access to the Gold Coast will also assist with driving visitation to the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

“It is vital that we collectively continue to take steps to grow demand for travel to and within Australia,” she said.