KOREA has provided a welcome boost to the Far North's tourism fortunes.
The first of nine charter flights from Korea touched down at Cairns airport at the weekend and 250 visitors disembarked to inject a healthy dose of tourism dollars into the region.
Eight more flights from Korea are expected in Cairns over the next few weeks.
While Qantas cut backs on its Japan route and the slashing of Jetstar flights to western Japan are yet to take effect, the confidence of the tourism industry has taken a battering after the Flying Kangaroo boss, Jeff Dixon, announced them.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland boss Rob Giason welcomed the touch down saying the arrival was reward for the organisation’s ongoing marketing in the emerging Korean market.
He said a partnership with electronic giant Samsung’s credit card division had been particularly helpful.
"This partnership allows us to target new credit card applicants and provide information about holidays in Tropical North Queensland plus images of TNQ can be used on newly issued credit cards further promoting our image and brand in Korea," he said.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle was equally pleased saying Tourism Queensland and TTNQ had worked together with Korean Airlines and travel wholesalers to put together a competitive deal attractive to the Korean summer holiday market.
She said the charter market had potential for growth.
"Special charters such as these are a fantastic initiative that assists in boosting visitor numbers to the region," Ms Boyle said.
But on the domestic front the news was not as good with Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue announcing a new pay-for-weight baggage policy.
The policy replaces the allowance of up to 20kg of free checked baggage with a fee of $8 for an increased 23kg allowance if pre-purchased online, or $20 at airport check-in.
