Thursday, February 29, 2024
As the curtains fell on the 2024 rendition of the prestigious event, the baton for hosting was passed from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Tourism Malaysia to their counterparts at Perth Airport and Tourism Western Australia.
Annually, Routes Asia convenes a significant assembly of airlines, airports, and tourism entities with the aim of fostering the development of air services within the Asia Pacific, thereby aiding in the aviation sector’s resurgence in the region. The upcoming iteration is anticipated to host over 3,000 meetings, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel throughout Asia Pacific.
The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of Western Australia. During the fiscal year 2021-22, the industry was a lifeline for almost 30,000 tourism-related businesses, creating over 89,000 jobs in the sector and contributing $16.8 billion to the state’s economy through visitor spending. Enhancing air travel connections is pivotal for the area’s ongoing economic expansion.
With an eye on bolstering direct flights from strategic markets such as China, India, and South Korea, along with other untapped markets, Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is gearing up to host Routes Asia 2025. This event is an opportunity for Perth to present the economic and tourist appeal of its air routes to leading airlines in the region.
Recent developments at the airport, including the announcement of Qantas’ non-stop flights between Perth and Paris set to begin in July 2024, underscore the city’s successful efforts in expanding its air service. This year alone saw Perth enhance its connectivity with the addition of services from Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Jetstar, seasonal flights by China Eastern to Shanghai, and the resurgence of Thai Airways and South African Airways, in addition to welcoming AirAsia Berhad.
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, expressed enthusiasm about hosting Routes Asia in 2025, highlighting the event as a prime avenue for showcasing Perth to global airlines and elevating the region’s appeal. Perth Airport, together with Tourism WA, is at the forefront of the ‘Team Perth’ initiative, a collaborative effort among the State Government, industry, tourism, and educational sectors aimed at forging new aviation pathways to Perth. This strategy is set to enrich the tourism, commerce, international education, and fresh produce export sectors by expanding Perth’s global airline network within Asia and beyond.
“Hosting Routes Asia provides a rare opportunity to bring key influencers together in Perth to experience the destination and highlight the opportunities offered as Australia’s western hub.”
Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA said: “The WA Government is proud to host Routes Asia 2025, and to explore opportunities for establishing new flights between South East Asia and our State, as the Western Gateway to Australia.
“Our State shares multiple time zones and close proximity to many countries across South East Asia and is well placed to build our legacy as an important global aviation hub. Western Australia is looking forward to welcoming key leaders from South East Asia’s aviation industry for Routes Asia 2025 and showing them all the best of what our capital city and to Western Australia has to offer.”
Steven Small, Director of Routes; said “Increased air connectivity is proven to bring massive economic benefits and prosperity to a destination. Growing international seat capacity by securing non-stop services to international destinations has and continues to be a priority for Perth Airport and Tourism Western Australia. By hosting the 21st edition of Routes Asia, decision makers from over 100 of the region’s leading carriers will witness first-hand the significant growth opportunities that the city and wider region has to offer. I am confident that this will further accelerate the impressive growth trajectory that destination is already on.”
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
