Mr Lawlor said Jetstar’s new services would add more than 500 seats into the Tropical North from New Zealand each week, commencing in April 2011.
"This represents a 47 percent increase in international seat capacity from New Zealand to Cairns and will certainly help to increase visits," Mr Lawlor said.
"April is a good time to commence the route as it's the middle of Autumn – just when it’s starting to get cold in New Zealand, our warmer weather will draw New Zealanders up north."
Mr Lawlor said he had also had the pleasure of recently announcing a new Queenstown to Gold Coast service, set to commence from 17 December 2010.
“This service will contribute over 350 seats to the Gold Coast’s international capacity from New Zealand each week,” he said.
“Queensland shares a prosperous partnership with Jetstar, which is further strengthened by these new services.
“The Bligh Government and Tourism Queensland are working together to protect tourism jobs and support the industry through the tough times.
"The strength of Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry is, in part, reliant on our aviation partners and we warmly welcome the new Jetstar Auckland-Cairns services.
"I am sure the local tourism industry will join me in congratulating Jetstar on the new services and lay out a warm welcome mat."
Mr Lawlor said the Bligh Government had a strong commitment to New Zealand as it remained Queensland's biggest source of international visitors.
"It’s a significant market for us, and in the year ending March 2010 there were more Kiwi arrivals into Queensland than from Japan, the UK and US combined," he said.
"In fact, 399,000 New Zealanders came to Queensland in the year ended March 2010 and spent $528 million on their trips to the state.
For more information about Queensland holidays visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Media contact: Minister's office - 3225 1005 Tourism Queensland - 3535 5840
