TIGER AIRWAYS FIRST FLIGHT TO CANBERRA

02/08 14 February 2008

TIGER AIRWAYS FIRST FLIGHT TO CANBERRA

The arrival of low cost carrier Tiger Airways’ first flight to Canberra is a vote of confidence in the ACT’s tourism industry, Minister for Tourism Andrew Barr said today.

Welcoming the arrival of Tiger Airways’ 180 seat flight TT 7164 from Melbourne, Mr Barr said the arrival of Tiger opens up new opportunities for ACT tourism operators.

“The extra air capacity will bring more visitors to the ACT and create new opportunities for local tourism and hospitality business operators,” Mr Barr said.

“The arrival of Tiger Airways in Canberra, along with additional flights from Qantas and the return of Virgin Blue to the Canberra-Sydney route is also tangible proof the ACT is taken seriously as a tourism and business destination,” Mr Barr said.

"Tiger Airways' arrival comes on the back of a successful year for ACT Tourism, which included a record breaking Floriade and the revitalisation of the 'See Yourself' tourism campaign. The latest Tourism Research Australia figures also show that for the year ending September 2007, domestic overnight visitation had increased by 3.5% on the previous year, with a corresponding 3.1% increase in domestic overnight visitor expenditure.

“The airline’s arrival is further proof of the effectiveness of the policies of the ACT Government to drive tourism in the ACT. These include the $30 million refurbishment of the Convention Centre, the ACT Government’s commitment of funding to attract more business tourism to Canberra and to developing airline partnerships and redeveloping the tourism website.”

Tiger Airways passengers were greeted by Australian Capital Tourism staff with welcome packs, as well as Capital Airport Group’s Stephen Byron. The Australian Managing Director of Tiger Airways, Chris Ward, will travel on the flight.

Tiger Airways will now operate one return flight daily seven days a week between Melbourne and Canberra. The airline will operate next to the existing Virgin terminal at Canberra International Airport. See www.tigerairways.com.au for flight schedules and booking details.