Qantas' new flight service to bring tourists to Hayman Island

Qantas' new flight service to bring tourists to Hayman Island
Jessie RichardsonDecember 7, 2020

A new Sydney to Hamilton Island flight service coincides with the launch of a brand new Whitsundays luxury resort.

Tourist spending in the Whitsundays increased to $706 million last year, up 14%. Acting Minister for Tourism Tracy Davis is optimistic about the future of the region, with the new Qantas flights and the newly launched One&Only Hayman Island resort.

“Qantas’ decision to commence two return weekly services between Sydney and Hamilton Island will open the skies to more than 10,000 additional visitors a year,” said Davis.

“Both Qantas and resort operator One&Only clearly believe the future’s bright for tourism in Queensland and I certainly agree with them.

“The Queensland government’s 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success, outlines the need to deliver quality experiences that delight customers – and that’s exactly what’s happening today in the Whitsundays.

“We have a strong plan for a brighter future and we’re working hard to achieve our goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”

Vistors to the Whitsunday increased 7% last year, to 687,000, according to local Member Jason Costigan.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new tourism era for a place that I call Paradise with increased access into the region and the opening of the new luxury One&Only resort,” Costigan said.

“My electorate warmly welcomes visitors to our magnificent backyard and the support they will give to local businesses,” he said.

Lyell Strambi, chief executive of Qantas Domestic, said the flights now allow passengers from Sydney to enjoy “direct access to one of the country’s most iconic holiday destinations.”

“Our new service also gives these customers a premium aviation product to complement Jetstar’s existing flights as part of our two-brand strategy,” said Lyell.

Hayman Island is owned by Mulpha Australia, who invested $80 million into the private island resort, and managed by Kerzner International. This is the first Asia Pacific venture for One&Only, which has resorts in Mexico, Dubai, South Africa, the Bahamas, Mauritius and the Maldives.

Editor's Picks