Performance and occupancy is expected to improve at Ayers Rock Resort with the announcement today that Virgin Blue will commence daily direct flights between Sydney and Ayers Rock (Uluru) on 2nd August 2010.

Performance and occupancy is expected to improve at Ayers Rock Resort with the announcement
today that Virgin Blue will commence daily direct flights between Sydney and Ayers Rock (Uluru)
on 2nd August 2010.

GPT CEO, Michael Cameron said the announcement by Virgin Blue to begin daily flights from Sydney to Uluru was a great result for the Resort and supported GPT’s view that prospects for the resort in 2010 were positive.

“An additional airline carrier to the Resort will assist in stimulating growth in demand for the region, enabling even more travellers to visit and improving occupancy.”

The new Virgin Blue flights will complement the existing airline capacity provided by Qantas and provide terrific opportunities for renewed growth, expansion and promotion of the region.

Ayers Rock Resort remains a non-core asset for GPT, with the company’s focus now on maximising returns through the active ownership of quality Australian Retail, Office and Industrial Real Estate.

GPT will continue to hold the Resort, which is the final asset to be sold from the Group’s former Hotel and Tourism Portfolio, until the market is right for a sale.

“Ayers Rock Resort remains a good performing quality asset that GPT will continue to hold until dilution from its sale is minimised,” Mr Cameron said.

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, which sits at the gateway to the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, provides a range of accommodation options for the more than 300,000 visitors attracted to this extraordinary and unique experience each year. The Resort offers something to suit every style and budget, from the ultimate in outback luxury at Longitude 131°, to a variety of hotel and apartment options, through to a backpackers lodge and the Ayers Rock Campground.