Canberra will begin to tap up international airlines following the creation of a taskforce designed to attract foreign carriers to the ACT in 2013.
The team will comprise representatives from the business and tourism sectors to work with Canberra International Airport and the ACT government.
Senior ministers have already held talks with Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport and Wellington tourism officials with links between the Australian and New Zealand capitals on the cards.
A Canberra to Singapore service is also being examined.
“Now is the time for a Canberra team to come together to pitch to airlines to start direct international flights to Canberra,” said minister for tourism, sport and recreation Andrew Barr.
The move follows a period of consultation with key stakeholders, with Barr visiting New Zealand last month to discuss future direct services.
“Following meetings with Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport and Positively Wellington Tourism there is a consensus that with the appropriate level on investment and collaboration, we could attract significant levels of business and leisure travellers in both directions,” he said.
Tourism Australia has also indicated its willingness to market co-operatively in cities where direct services could take place.
Barr said an Airline Access Development Fund has identified potential markets where direct flights could work. A draft report is under consideration and “further international routes such as Canberra-Singapore are being examined."
The creation of the taskforce and bid to woo international visitors has been positively received by the tourism industry, he added.
