Travellers can fly direct between the Gold Coast and Hobart from 1 December when a new Jetstar service starts, connecting the two popular destinations in time for the busy summer holiday season.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the service would be a welcome shot in the arm for tourism operators and businesses generally in both cities.

“Both the Gold Coast and Tasmanian tourism industries have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 related travel restrictions, given the strong focus on tourism for both destinations,” he said.

The service will deliver more than 1,200 passenger seats between the Gold Coast and Tasmania each week, or 62,400 annually.

Mr Mills said news of the flights would be a relief for people in both states who had been desperate to connect with family and friends since travel was stopped in March.

“We have seen how eager family and friends are to see each other, since the Canberra services restarted. The flights will start in time for the peak tourism seasons in both destinations, opening up another part of the country for travellers to explore in the summer months,” he said.

The Queensland Government and Destination Gold Coast are supporting the service.

Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new Jetstar service from Hobart to the Gold Coast was set to generate $11.6 million in overnight visitor expenditure, providing a major boost for the region ahead of the busy summer season.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy. We’re working with airlines to secure new direct flights to the Gold Coast because we know that flights pump millions of dollars into local businesses and support local jobs,” she said.

Destination Gold Coast Deputy Chair Adrienne Readings welcomed the announcement, saying the new service would give Tasmanians the opportunity to come and play on the Gold Coast this summer and beyond.

“With the support of our industry partners we are working hard to secure opportunities for the Gold Coast to increase accessibility into the region, to springboard tourism recovery.”