Direct New Zealand-Tasmania flights to begin in early 2021
Tasmania will start welcoming foreign travellers early next year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said from January 2021, Hobart Airport will be permitted to welcome up to three flights a week from New Zealand and up to two flights a week in low season.
That means about 30,000 international travellers in 2021 following agreement between the Tasmania and Federal Governments.
It will give a boost to the Tasmanian tourism industry and protect jobs, Morrison said.
"This deal is going to see more tourists at Tasmania’s museums and galleries, staying at its hotels, eating and drinking at its restaurants and cafes, and exploring its parks and sights," said Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
The government will fund $49.2 million for a team of Border Force, Federal Police and biosecurity officers.
The Tasmanian Government will itself invest $10 million to upgrade airport infrastructure.
There are no details yet on whether Air New Zealand or an Aussie airline will fly between Hobart and New Zealand.
"This has been an incredibly tough year for Australians and particularly our tourism and hospitality sectors, but this deal will mean tourists from low-risk areas can come to sample Tasmania’s experiences," Morrison said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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