Direct flights between Auckland and Hobart have resumed operations, with Air New Zealand’s first seasonal service of the summer touching down in Tasmania this Sunday.
The resumption marks a significant milestone in the Australian island state’s international connectivity strategy.
Capacity and Tourism Boost for Tasmania
The summer service, operating through the peak tourism season, will provide 24,000 additional international seats over its five-month duration.
This substantial increase in capacity arrives at a crucial time, helping to reinforce Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors during their busiest period.
The route’s continued success underscores Tasmania’s growing appeal within the New Zealand market. Additionally, it offers North American travelers a convenient one-stop connection to explore Tasmania’s unique wilderness, world-class food and wine scene, and cultural attractions.
Tasmania’s Premier and Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff emphasized the broader economic implications of these international connections.
“Strong air access is fundamental to our state’s prosperity, supporting not just tourism but our entire economic ecosystem. These flights facilitate trade, freight movement, and essential logistics networks.”
“When international visitors contributed $505 million to Tasmania last year, it demonstrated just how vital this market is to our economic future.”
Hobart Airport Expansion
Tourism Tasmania continues to forge strong partnerships with airlines and airports. These strategic relationships help to secure sustainable flight routes. They also build Tasmania’s reputation as a premier travel destination through targeted marketing campaigns and demand generation initiatives.
Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, drew attention to Hobart Airport’s significant transformation. “Our $100 million infrastructure investment has revolutionized our capabilities.”
“We can now accommodate long-haul, wide-body aircraft, opening unprecedented opportunities for direct international services.”
“The state government’s commitment includes a $5.5 million Aviation Attraction Fund,” Abetz elaborated. “This investment positions Tasmania to rapidly capitalize on opportunities for new flight routes, particularly from Asian hub cities.”
“It’s a key component of our comprehensive 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, designed to enhance tourism, expand trade opportunities, and create sustainable jobs for Tasmanians.”
Auckland-Hobart Route
Since its inaugural flights in 2021, the Auckland-Hobart route has consistently exceeded expectations. Last year alone, 17,000 visitors utilized the direct service from New Zealand. Notably, these travelers recorded the highest average spending among all international visitors in 2023. This has contributed significantly to local businesses and the economy.
The current season of Air New Zealand direct flights will operate until March 2025, with multiple weekly services.
This service enhancement comes as Tasmania celebrates welcoming nearly 256,000 international visitors in the year ending June 2024. This has marked a robust recovery in its international tourism sector.
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