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Wednesday 10 June 2009

Pacific Blue to launch new direct trans-Tasman service to Dunedin


Tourism Dunedin along with Tourism New Zealand welcomed the announcement of a new direct trans-Tasman flight by Pacific Blue this morning.

From 1 September 2009 the airline will fly direct between Brisbane and Dunedin three times per week.

Tourism Dunedin Chief Executive Officer Hamish Saxton commented “Tourism Dunedin are thrilled to welcome Pacific Blue as a trans-Tasman carrier. The move cements Dunedin not only as a desirable destination in its own right, but as a gateway to Southland, Waitaki and Central Otago”.

Saxton’s comments were mirrored by Barry Eddington, Tourism New Zealand Regional Manager Australia. “Increased trans Tasman links to Dunedin will improve Australia’s access to South Island experiences including the Otago Peninsula wildlife and the Central Otago Rail Trail”.

“The announcement allows Dunedin to further tap into Queensland where holiday arrivals have increased five percent to 261,000 in the year ending April 2009” said Eddington.

Tourism Dunedin plans to work closely with Pacific Blue to increase and maintain demand on their new route. “Tourism Dunedin invests heavily into the Australian market. We are the only New Zealand regional tourism organisation to have an office in Australia where our work focuses on trade marketing and public relations” says Saxton.

Australia continues to offer Dunedin great potential especially at a time when Australians are looking to travel closer to home and the New Zealand government are investing heavily into the market

The new route will connect with Virgin’s extensive domestic network within Australia and further afield to Los Angeles.

Pacific Blue spokesperson Bruce Moffat said “when the new services start, Pacific Blue will have international flights from six New Zealand airports - more than any other airline”. According to Moffat “Pacific Blue is focussing their attention into regional markets who have been impacted by a lack of choice”.

Lead in fares are expected to be announced by Pacific Blue.

For more information on Dunedin visit www.dunedinnz.com.

For more information on New Zealand visit www.newzealand.com.

About Tourism Dunedin:

Tourism Dunedin is a regional tourism organisation working with the local tourism industry, national and international media, trade wholesalers, inbound tour operators and travel agents. Tourism Dunedin also work with Tourism New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand to promote awareness of Dunedin as the wildlife and heritage destination of New Zealand.

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