Published on : Friday, August 29, 2014
A strong and sustainable aviation sector is central to the success of Australia’s $110 billion tourism industry, and Virgin Australia is a critical element of that equation, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF Acting Chief Executive Trent Zimmerman said Australia is highly dependent on aviation and today’s result from Virgin Australia shows how tough and competitive the sector has been over the past year.“Virgin Australia plays a key role in Australia’s tourism industry, flying to 47 destinations around Australia, 32 of which are regional destinations,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“It also provides access to Australia for visitors from all over the world through its own international services and that of its partner airlines.“Indeed, Australia’s size and location mean that having two strong, high quality and competitive national carriers is squarely in the national interest.
“Around Australia, many destinations rely on air access to deliver the visitors who sustain the tourism industry, which supports more than 900,000 total jobs across Australia.“Virgin Australia makes a significant contribution to Australia’s tourism industry, investing in infrastructure around the country, providing skills training and directly employing 9500 Australians and generating thousands of Australian jobs in support industries.
“The airline has injected more than $11 billion directly into the Australian economy over the last three years and conducts around 75 per cent of its aircraft maintenance in Australia.“Virgin Australia is also the major airline partner of Tourism Australia, with the relationship worth $16 million over the next three years, and the carrier also supports state tourism bodies on key initiatives throughout the year.
“In addition, Virgin Australia hosts major tourism events aimed at showcasing Australia as a world-class destination to over 1500 international delegates, buyers and decision-makers from around the world.“Tourism has been identified as a super-growth sector that will be able to provide job and business opportunities and deliver prosperity across Australia.
“We need a strong, sustainable and competitive aviation sector to fulfil the tourism industry’s potential and Virgin Australia is vital to that success and we look forward to seeing it get back in the black.”
Source:-TTF
Tags: Tourism News, Virgin Vital to Australian aviation
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