Avalon Airport signs on to tourism body

AVALON Airport has been announced as the new platinum partner of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.

Having enjoyed a long and successful working relationship, the tourism advocacy body and the airport will now foster closer ties to maximise the opportunities created by Avalon’s expansion.

“The partnership with Avalon Airport is a genuine opportunity for our region to grow new markets and strengthen our position within existing ones,” Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine chair John Stevens said.

The formal partnership comes ahead of the start of international flights from the airport in December with AirAsia.

“Avalon Airport is a crucial asset as we look to grow the visitor economy in the region. We very much look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” Mr Stevens said.

Tourism contributes $1.14 billion to the Geelong and The Bellarine region, sustaining more than 5,300 jobs.

“The team at Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine have provided wonderful support for Avalon Airport over many years, and we’re delighted that we are able to strengthen our partnership,”Avalon chief executive officer Justin Giddings said.

“Our domestic flights are performing very well, with Jetstar bringing visitors directly into the region for nearly 15 years now. Early next year we expect to see our 10 millionth Jetstar passenger pass through Avalon Airport.”

The potential for international flights at Avalon Airport had been identified as a key opportunity in tourism and economic development strategies for more than 15 years. The partnership will underpin specific activities to profile the airport in regional destination marketing campaigns and provide support to existing industry structures.

“On December 5, AirAsia will begin twicedaily flights between Avalon and Kuala Lumpur – generating almost half a million passengers in the first year,” Mr Giddings said.

“Geelong and the Bellarine have such wonderful offerings for domestic and international visitors – beaches, wineries, history, food, art, events, views – we’re very proud to provide the gateway to all this and more, and look forward to working with Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine.”