World’s leading aviation forum kicks-off in Adelaide

The biggest players in world aviation have landed in Australia, with the 25th annual World Routes conference kicking-off in Adelaide today.

The 25th annual World Routes event will be the largest conference ever to be held in South Australia, with around 2,000 delegates from airlines, airports, and destinations around the world expected to attend.

Australia's Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said the forum provided Australia with a unique opportunity to demonstrate to the world's aviation industry why Australia is a world-class destination worth investing in.

"As the world's leading aviation forum, World Routes presents Australia with the chance to showcase our wonderful country to key decision makers and show first-hand why Australia should be front of mind in terms of new aviation routes and services," Minister Birmingham said.

"The growth of air services, new routes and connectivity is absolutely critical for sustaining and growing our $143 billion tourism industry which employs 1 in 13 Australians.

"Whilst international aviation capacity to Australia now exceeds 26 million seats per year, further increasing this capacity will only further strengthen our tourism industry into the future."

Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall said he was thrilled to have the world's biggest aviation conference right on our doorstep.

"This is the first time World Routes has come to Australia and I couldn't be more proud to have our state front and centre to host this significant event, spruiking the unique tourism offerings we have here.

"South Australia will take centre stage hosting the 2000 executives attending the conference this weekend to discuss new air routes and expanding capacity on existing routes.

"We are excited about broadening our network of international and domestic services to sustain and grow our record $7.2 billion visitor economy, with the World Routes conference itself expected to inject around $20 million," said Premier Marshall.

Minister for Trade Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway said the World Routes conference is a fantastic opportunity to put South Australia 'on the map' with global airline executives.

"We are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse tourism offering that provides quality adventure travel experiences that appeal to the international market.

Australia will have its largest ever presence at this year's World Routes, with our key national, state and regional tourism organisations and airports all in attendance to ensure that the aviation sector and tourism are working hand-in-hand.

More information on World Routes 2019 is available at https://www.routesonline.com/events/204/world-routes-2019/