Perth Airport and Tourism Western Australia to Host Routes Asia 2025, Showcasing Regional Aviation Growth Opportunities
Perth Airport, in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia, has been officially named the host for Routes Asia 2025, following a successful handover from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Tourism Malaysia at the close of this year’s event. Routes Asia, an annual gathering that plays a critical role in shaping the future of air service development in the Asia Pacific region, is anticipated to facilitate over 3,000 meetings next year, offering a unique platform for airlines, airports, and tourism authorities to explore new connectivity opportunities.
Tourism significantly impacts Western Australia’s economy, supporting nearly 30,000 businesses and generating over 89,000 jobs in the 2021-22 period, with visitor spending contributing $16.8 billion to the state. In line with this, Perth Airport and Tourism Western Australia are strategically working to enhance direct flights from key markets such as China, India, and South Korea, among others, to spur further economic growth through increased air connectivity.
The announcement of Qantas’s direct flights from Perth to Paris in July 2024 and the addition of services from major carriers like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates underscore Perth’s emerging status as a pivotal aviation hub. The upcoming Routes Asia 2025 event in Perth presents an invaluable opportunity for the region to underscore the viability and profitability of expanding air routes and to position Western Australia as a premier travel destination.
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the prestigious event, emphasizing the “Team Perth” approach. This collaborative strategy involves state government, industry, and educational organizations working in tandem to foster new aviation prospects, with the goal of benefiting various sectors including tourism, business, and education.
The Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, highlighted the state’s advantageous position as the Western Gateway to Australia, thanks to shared time zones and proximity to several Southeast Asian countries. The government’s commitment to strengthening Western Australia’s role as a global aviation hub is evident as it prepares to showcase the best of what the state and its capital have to offer to the aviation industry’s leaders during Routes Asia 2025.
Steven Small, Director of Routes, acknowledged the significant economic benefits that enhanced air connectivity brings to a destination. He expressed confidence that hosting Routes Asia in Perth would not only reveal the extensive growth opportunities within the city and the broader region but also accelerate the destination’s impressive development trajectory, benefiting from the participation of decision-makers from over 100 leading carriers in the region.