By Roy Weavers

According to Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor, aviation will be a key to a recovery in Tropical North Queensland's tourism industry in 2010. Mr Lawlor, who was in Cairns this week, spoke with tourism Industry stakeholders about the future of the region.

He said a series of recent aviation successes would help bolster the industry after a challenging 2009. "Recent aviation commitments by both domestic and international carriers have been a strong indication of the industry's confidence in Queensland," Mr Lawlor said.

"Over the past few weeks the region has welcomed an increased number of Chinese visitors as a result of additional China Southern Airlines charter flights over the Chinese New Year Period.

"In the year ahead, the local tourism industry can also look forward to the introduction of a new Virgin Blue Group international service between Auckland and Cairns.

"The Pacific Blue flights will operate twice-weekly services, representing a 79 percent increase in available seats on the route.

"In addition Continental flights will operate a daily service from Guam to Cairns from 17 March - 6 April to meet an increased demand from Japan and Guam.

"In April the tropical north will see the arrival of 17 new flights per week from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth adding just over 3000 weekly seats and potential visitors to the region.

"April arrivals also include the resumed direct flights between Osaka Japan - Cairns. The four weekly Jetstar flights will add up to 1200 seats for the region per week, which equates to approximately 63,000 seats per year."

Mr Lawlor said prior to Christmas the industry had received more positive news for the wider Queensland tourism industry, with Qantas's announcement that it would upgrade the Brisbane - Cairns service to provide an additional 912 seats per week to the region.

"Supporting Queensland's aviation partners into the future is paramount to the continued strength of the Queensland tourism industry," he said.

"My office together with Tourism Queensland will continue to work together to ensure the future of Queensland's industry remains bright."

Mr Lawlor said last week's presentations by Tourism Queensland's international regional directors had also provided local operators with up-to-date intelligence on the latest trends and issues affecting international travel trends affecting key source markets.

"Feedback from our international markets is that things are looking positive for 2010 with a gradual return in consumer confidence," he said.

"There is no denying the regional tourism industry has been through one of its toughest periods ever. Through this visit we want to reinforce to the region that while it's still too early to say if we're in the clear, the signs for a positive 2010 look good. I also want to emphasise the State Government and Tourism Queensland's commitment to generating an interest and desire from domestic and international travellers and will do everything possible to maximise the benefits for Queensland."

Editors Comments: Just occasionally, politicians hit the nail right on the head.  Our Tourism Minister has very succinctly confirmed what we at Newsport daily have been banging on about for the last year.  Get the air traffic routes back and the people will come.  Could we respectfully request that the Tourism Minister gets on to Qantas and has a word with them too, 'cos we need them back on our side.