High hopes for tourism boost as Broome-Singapore flights resume

Tourism officers in Western Australia’s far north hope the resumption of the state’s solely worldwide air hyperlink exterior of Perth will assist an ongoing restoration in worldwide customer numbers.

The seasonal route between Singapore and Broome, operated by Jetstar Asia, kicked off on Tuesday with the primary flight touching down within the Kimberley city early within the afternoon. 

It marked the primary worldwide path to fly straight into regional western Australia for the reason that state’s borders reopened from COVID-19 closures. 

The service will function twice weekly till October 26, and is anticipated to convey virtually 6,500 inbound passengers to Broome in its first 12 months. 

The route is the successor to a trial service briefly operated by now-defunct Singapore Airlines subsidiary Silk Air, which ran flights in 2018.

More than 88,000 guests arrived in WA from Singapore final 12 months, making it the state’s second-largest customer market.

Boost for regional tourism

Broome International Airport chief govt Craig Shaw stated whereas there was a “fairly short” lead time for the season, he was anticipating curiosity to construct. 

“We hope we’ll be able to sustain longer term propositions here … and deliver good outcomes to grow tourism and grow the benefit for everybody in the community,” he stated. 

He stated Broome provided worldwide travellers a unique vacation spot.

“When you contrast the red dirt between the aquamarine ocean, it’s a very different experience,” he stated.

“We have a couple of guys here from Jetstar at the moment who experienced the sunset last night.

“They’re blown away by what pure wonders we now have right here and we count on the Singaporeans will really feel the identical.”  

Shire welcomes travellers

Broome Shire President Chris Mitchell said the new route was a welcome tourism boost for the region. 

“It’s nice information for Broome, it is a main financial boost for tourism, for the locals and for just about every little thing,” he stated. 

He said it was hoped the flights would also provide a gateway to the rest of the Kimberley. 

“Hopefully loads of them are doing additional tour all through the Kimberley … it ought to have a flow-on impact to the remainder of WA in the long run,” Mr Mitchell stated.

“It’s a global hub for Europe and different locations, so meaning loads of travellers can now fly by means of into Singapore after which fly straight to Broome within the Kimberley.”

Tourism Minister John Carey said the launch of the route represented a significant opportunity to boost accommodation, tourism and hospitality businesses across the north-west.