Air New Zealand to Commence Trans-Tasman Services from Rotorua

Air New Zealand is to launch direct air services between Rotorua and Sydney.

Air New Zealand General Manager Tasman Pacific Airline Glen Sowry announced today the service would launch on 12 December, utilising a 152-seat A320 aircraft.

The airline will operate a twice weekly service from 19 December on Saturdays and Mondays until the end of January, after which they will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

“ Rotorua is an iconic tourism destination and well known amongst Australian travellers. We see the potential for good passenger numbers from Australia and the continued strength of inbound tourism from there has lent weight to our decision,” says Mr Sowry.

“The new services will also make Rotorua significantly more accessible for visitors from Asia who often visit both Australia and New Zealand and whom we can now bring directly from Sydney to Rotorua instead of via Auckland .

“Through winter the new service also provides significant opportunities in attracting more Australian skiers to the Central North Island ski fields, something I’m sure Mt Ruapehu and nearby businesses will be looking forward to.”

Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing (DRTM) General Manager Donn Gunn said, "This is fantastic news for Rotorua, as it will allow Australian visitors to pop across the Tasman for short breaks, and Rotorua residents can do the same.

“DRTM is also working alongside its regional partners in the Central North Island to ensure the potential of the trans-Tasman capability is maximised.

“We are thrilled that Air New Zealand is the airline that has committed to trans-Tasman services. Air NZ has been a strong supporter of Rotorua in the domestic market and its profile in Australia is very high and we will be looking forward to working closely with them on collaborative marketing to ensure the success of this venture.” 

Mr Sowry says Air New Zealand had been working closely with Rotorua Airport to launch the new service, with strong support from key tourism and business operators.

“The new flights will position Rotorua as the gateway to the Central North Island and also provide residents from Tauranga, Taupo, Whakatane, Hawke’s Bay and other areas across the region with a more convenient and competitive trans-Tasman service.

“Although the Tasman remains one of our most challenging markets we will continue to look for opportunities to grow visitor numbers into New Zealand particularly where there is a strong community desire to support the service.”

A special launch fare of $209 one-way online is available for sale until 14 August 2009 with year round fares available from $239 one way at www.airnewzealand.co.nz

New Air New Zealand Service to Boost Tourism

Todays announcement that Australians will soon have a direct flight to Rotorua is a welcome boost to the tourism industry, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

“ Rotorua and central North Island tourism operators will certainly be celebrating Air New Zealand’s announcement of two Sydney-Rotorua flights each week from December,” TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

“Rotorua has been hard hit by the economic downturn, which has meant fewer package tours and fewer Asian visitors – two sectors who have traditionally visited Rotorua in large numbers.  Australia has continued to be a growing market for the New Zealand tourism industry, and today’s announcement offers the potential for significant growth in arrivals from Sydney into Rotorua.”

Ministry of Tourism figures show that more than 200,000 Australians visit Rotorua each year, adding millions of dollars to the local economy.  Increasing Rotorua’s accessibility will create excellent possibilities for stronger growth, Mr Cossar says. It will also directly benefit nearby regions including Tauranga and Taupo.

“Growing visitor numbers into New Zealand will help lead us out of recession, creating jobs and attracting valuable foreign exchange,” Mr Cossar says.  “Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s iconic destinations and this new service will help it retain that status. I congratulate Rotorua’s tourism sector for the efforts they have put in to attracting international flights to the region.”

TIA members in Rotorua are excited about the new service and what it will mean for their businesses.

Polynesian Spa Managing Director Martin Lobb says it is tremendous news.

“We think it’s going to be very good for short breaks, bringing Australians to a part of the world that is completely different from what Sydneysiders have got, with our geothermal, mountain-biking and fishing,” Mr Lobb says.

HELiPRO Operations Manager Tim Barrow says the new service will boost both holidaymakers and the valuable conference and incentive (C&I) sector.

“The C&I market has been wanting to come to Rotorua but they haven’t been able to because of the lack of direct access.  Now that barrier has been removed, we’ll see the rewards,” Mr Barrow says.  “Rotorua has got great product and infrastructure...we are very excited.”

Wai Ora Group Chief Executive Bryan Hughes says the new service will be very good for the entire central North Island.

“It will be a very, very good route for Air New Zealand, giving them a competitive advantage that nobody else has,” Mr Hughes says.  “The C&I market is going to open up.  We have a great region already – this is the icing on the cake!”

The schedule (subject to regulatory approval) is as follows:

	Schedule (subject to regulatory approval)
	Saturdays from 12 December 09
	Sydney - Rotorua		0920/1435
	Rotorua - Sydney		1535/1720
	Monday 21 and 28 December 09
	Rotorua - Sydney		0920/1105
	Sydney - Rotorua		1205/1720
	Monday 4, 11, 18 and 25 January 10
	Rotorua - Sydney		1330/1515
	Sydney - Rotorua		1615/2125
	Tuesday from 2 February 10
	Sydney - Rotorua		0920/1435
	Rotorua - Sydney		1535/1720