Perth Soars as Global Aviation Hub
Western Australia’s new Tourism Minister Reece Whitby has made a bold statement about the city’s future as a premier international gateway in his first formal speech in office. Speaking on March 25 at the official opening of Routes Asia 2025 in Perth, Whitby emphasized the city’s strategic role as Australia’s western portal to the world, noting that the post-pandemic recovery has positioned Perth to capture a growing share of global aviation traffic. He remarked that there is no better occasion than this conference to showcase Perth as an emerging international destination.
Whitby underscored the critical importance of air connectivity for both the state’s economy and tourism sector. He pointed out that ninety-five percent of visitors to Western Australia arrive by air, a statistic that illustrates how essential efficient and expansive air services are for driving tourism and business. Reflecting on the recent performance of the aviation sector, he revealed that international airline seat capacity into the state has soared to 123 percent of pre-pandemic levels, while domestic or interstate capacity has reached 111 percent. With Perth Airport currently handling record traffic, evidenced by 16.9 million passengers recorded in 2024, the minister sees immense potential for further growth.
In his address, Whitby also highlighted Perth’s unique time zone advantage, which aligns with 60 percent of the world’s population. This strategic position enables the city to offer direct international connections to major global centers such as Paris, Rome, London, Tokyo, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and Johannesburg, enhancing its appeal as a transit hub for international travelers. The minister stressed that these connections are vital not only for tourism but also for broadening business and cultural exchanges between Western Australia and the rest of the world.
Looking ahead, Whitby discussed significant infrastructure investments at Perth Airport, including a major redevelopment project that is anticipated to add an additional 4.4 million seats when completed in 2031. This project is a key component of the state’s long-term vision to boost air connectivity and support the expanding demand for international travel. He noted that such investments, coupled with the rapid diversification of Western Australia’s economy, will further elevate Perth’s status as an international destination.
On the tourism front, Whitby proudly cited record-breaking spending in the sector. He reported that tourism spending in Western Australia hit a record in the previous financial year, with visitor expenditure reaching A$17.7 billion in the year ending in September. This robust spending has been instrumental in supporting more than 110,000 local jobs. Looking to the future, the minister reaffirmed the government’s ambitious goal to increase annual tourism spending to A$25 billion by 2033.
Through his remarks, Whitby conveyed a clear message: Perth is not only recovering from the setbacks of the pandemic but is also strategically positioning itself for sustained growth. With enhanced air connectivity, strategic infrastructure investments, and a booming tourism sector, the state is set to become a key player in the global aviation network. His vision underscores a commitment to building a resilient and diversified economy that leverages the power of connectivity to drive long-term prosperity for Western Australia.
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