Bula! Tourism between USA, Fiji and Queensland takes off
- Crisafulli Government secures a major aviation deal with new flights unlocked from Nadi to Cairns.
- Extra flights could bring in an additional 53,000 tourists annually and increase freight capacity.
- Regional Queensland to benefit from direct access to international visitors.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered another key aviation deal, with Fiji Airways touching down in Cairns today via a new direct flight from Nadi.
The new flight route connects the west coast of the United States with tropical Far North Queensland, with one stop in Fiji.
Fiji Airways will operate the Cairns-Nadi route three times a week on a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, adding 53,000 seats annually in a major win for tourism operators and businesses in the Far North.
The deal is another benefit delivered under the Government's Aviation Attraction Investment Fund, to help ensure a steady stream of visitors into regional Queensland.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said it was a great opportunity for tourism operators and businesses in Cairns.
"Queensland is the perfect holiday destination and the Crisafulli Government is focused on opening every door to attract more visitors to our beautiful State," Minister Powell said.
"This new flight link gives American tourists a direct line into all the fabulous attractions of Tropical North Queensland.
"Whether it's mountain bike riding at Smithfield or rafting in the Daintree rainforest – we can offer tourists a unique taste of Queensland.
"For many people, that trans-Pacific flight can be daunting, but this new offering from Fiji Airways gives them a chance to break it up.
"It's also great news for Far North Queensland exporters targeting the markets of North America, with a new connection available for freight."
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive officer Mark Olsen said TTNQ had been investing heavily into the North American market with inbound tour operators and travel agents looking forward to the opportunities presented by the shorter flying time to Cairns.
"The US is currently our second largest market with 85,000 visitors in 2024 and the new service via Fiji presents the opportunity to bring an estimated 52,000 additional US visitors annually injecting more than $160 million into the region's economy," Mr Olsen said.
