State and Federal government investment in attracting international carriers to the new Western Sydney Airport and improving its rail connection to the city has been welcomed by peak industry body, Accommodation Australia.
On Wednesday, the state government and Western Sydney Airport committed to a AU$16 million fund to entice international airlines to fly there, while federal government earmarked $1 billion to reserve land to connect the airport rail link with growing regions of south-west Sydney.
“A new 24-hour airport obviously brings more capacity for new carriers to enter the Australian market – and it’s great to see pro-active efforts targeting international carriers,” said Accommodation Australia CEO, James Goodwin.
“This can only be great news for tourism and the economy in general.
“The more international tourists on the ground here in Sydney, the more secure jobs in the tourism and accommodation sectors.”
Goodwin says the rest of the country also stands to benefit with most international tourists travelling to multiple states while on holiday in Australia.
“There needs to be a continued strong commitment to increase and diversify international aviation capacity including attracting new routes,” he said.
“Additional airline access to Sydney also provides competition – which leads to cheaper airfares for everyone. That’s music to everyone’s ears.”
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said the hotel industry is gearing up for an influx of international travellers with 24-hour flight services into the city.
“Hotels are responding with strong investment in new properties and new rooms already coming online in and around the new airport precinct,” McBride said.
“Staff are already being trained for an influx of visitors around the clock once the city’s only 24-hour airport opens late next year.
“Hotels back any positive initiatives to boost international tourism demand with the numbers of overseas visitors currently lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.”