Minister backs Asia-to-Broome flights

Written on the 21 June 2016

The Federal Government wants international airlines to consider flying from Asia direct to Broome in a bid to diversify the resort town's tourist intake.

Northern Australia Minister Josh Frydenberg said that, on a recent visit to the Kimberley, he had heard concerns from stakeholders and business leaders that Broome's potential was being held back by its infrastructure.

"They raised with me the need for a marina," he said.

"It's such a world-class tourism spot but if you're coming in on a big ship and you're a Chinese visitor, you're getting off at the same port as live animal exports."

He said he had also been struck by the limitations on air access to the town.

"How do you encourage international providers to look at flying into Broome? They all fly to Cairns, for example," he said.

Broome attracts 85 per cent of its tourists from Australia and only 15 per cent from overseas but Mr Frydenberg said there could be scope to attract more Asian visitors a move that could lead to tourists bypassing Perth.

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Source: The West Australian