The Queensland Government says a new Fiji aviation deal could bring an extra 52,000 tourists to the state annually.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Fiji Airways had touched 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.
Mr Powell said it was a great opportunity for tourism operators and businesses in Cairns.
“This new flight link gives American tourists a direct line into all the fabulous attractions of Tropical North Queensland,” he said.
“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.
Inbound tour operators and travel agents were 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.
