Queenstown airlink 'vital'

Rotorua Airport's chief executive Nicole Brewer. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua Airport's chief executive has told Jetstar that a direct link to Queenstown is "crucial" for the local economy, as part of the city's business case in attracting the airline here.

The newly appointed chief executive, Nicole Brewer, said the proposal submitted to Jetstar last week focused on creating a robust business case with sustainable growth opportunities for everyone involved.

Jetstar announced in June it was looking to increase its regional services in four locations around the country, with Rotorua one of seven options initially identified.

Ms Brewer said it was estimated more than 300,000 New Zealand travellers visited both Rotorua and Queenstown every year, with more than two-thirds using domestic air transport.

"Rotorua has made it clear in its proposal that this direct link is critical for the local community in terms of tourism and economic development. This will continue to be a priority in discussions with both Jetstar and Air New Zealand."

Ms Brewer said Jetstar's current plan was for Q300 aircraft only, while a potential Queenstown link would require jet operations.

"However, we are mindful of the bigger picture and believe that turbo prop services today - providing one-stop connections to Queenstown - could pave the way for jet services tomorrow."

She said growth in tourism was also underpinned by stable corporate demand from business, conference and event travellers throughout the Central North Island.

"Rotorua offers a compelling proposition as a unique tourism, events, business and convention destination, with a potential local population that is much wider than just Rotorua alone."

She said it was important to focus on areas that had the most potential for long-term growth, which would be reflected through booking numbers.

"For Rotorua, encouraging more international travellers to connect via air, rather than road through Auckland, and a direct link to Queenstown present the biggest growth opportunities."

She said most passengers from Rotorua's two biggest international visitor markets - Australia and China - travelled by road between Auckland and Rotorua.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said the Auckland and Queenstown links were closely aligned with the Rotorua 2030 vision. "Our district's vision includes a bold goal to substantially grow our tourism economy - primarily through Auckland links and potentially through direct flights to Queenstown. Our aim is to increase tourism expenditure to $1 billion per year - and we are on track."

A decision is expected to be made by Jetstar by September, with flights starting in December.