New Singapore-Gascoyne region tourist charter program

16/7/93

The establishment of regular international flights direct to the North of Western Australia took a giant leap forward today with the announcement of a new tourist charter program from Singapore to the Gascoyne region.

Tourism Minister Doug Shave said the Western Australian Tourism Commission had been working closely with Singapore Airlines subsidiary Tradewinds Tours and Travel, to develop a series of six air charters into Exmouth.

The Commission would help promote the holiday charters in Singapore.

"First we had holiday charters from Singapore to Broome; now we have charters into the Gascoyne," Mr Shave said.

"These charters are being looked at closely by the aviation industry as charters represent the first step in proving the viability of routes for future regular, scheduled international passenger services.

"If these Tradewinds charters are a success, and all indications are that they will be extremely successful, then other airlines will sit up and take notice - the tourism potential of the North-West from the near markets of South East Asia is largely untapped.

"Port Hedland currently is the only airport which enjoys regular international services."

Mr Shave said six charters have been scheduled, beginning in November, with seven to 10-day itineraries on offer.  The Singaporean visitors would travel to Exmouth, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia, Nanga Station and Coral Bay.

"The Commission is planning a series of intensive training workshops in the region to make as many tourism industry staff as possible aware of the international standards of service required to provide a quality experience to the visitors," he said.

"We want the visitors to be delighted by the region and to become our ambassadors in promoting the attractions of our North to their friends in Singapore."

Mr Shave said the Government was keen to develop international holiday charters into other parts of the State, including the Pilbara.

"Charters such as these inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into regional economies and help create jobs," he said.

Media contacts: Brian Coulter 222 9595, Kevin Harrison (018) 942 001