Canberra Region Tourism Advisory Forum Thursday 4 September 2025

Candace Efstratiou, Regional Manager ACT Qantas Airways, on the airline’s current and future operations to and from the National Capital

Candace shared insights into the Qantas’ strong performance and future investment plans, with a particular focus on Canberra. Having recently stepped into the Regional Manager role after a long career with Qantas, she emphasised her pride in leading ACT operations and building on a significant legacy of collaboration.

Qantas’ latest results allow significant reinvestment into fleet renewal and customer experience, including new Airbus A220s, refurbished Q400s, and continued use of the highly efficient Dash 8s. For Canberra, this supports a robust schedule of over 100 weekly return flights to Sydney, more than 50 to Melbourne, and seasonal services to Darwin and Hobart.

While international services are not yet on the horizon, Candace acknowledged the advocacy being led by industry and noted that future fleet growth could create opportunities to connect Canberra directly with short-haul markets such as Singapore and New Zealand.

She also highlighted the One World partnership, with Fiji Airways recently joining the alliance and Hawaiian Airlines confirmed to follow—opening up new potential pathways for international connectivity.

Outlining Qantas’ commitment to enhancing customer experience, Candace shared that significant lounge refurbishments are underway nationally.

Future lounge upgrades will feature region-specific design, menus, and local produce—further connecting travellers to place and showcasing destinations.

Candace closed by reaffirming Qantas’ ongoing commitment to Canberra, highlighting the city’s vital role in the national network and the exciting opportunities ahead.

Genevieve Jacobs AM, CEO Hands Across Canberra, on how tourism and hospitality sectors can assist to build a better Canberra for everyone

Genevieve shared her vision for how the city can present itself to visitors, delegates and the broader tourism market—as a place defined by its strong community spirit.

She noted that while Canberra is rich in networks and generosity, much of this support currently flows outside the region, despite 40,000 local residents—including 10,000 children—living in poverty. Hands Across Canberra is working to change that by investing locally and distributing grants to charities that provide food relief, disability services, support for survivors of domestic violence, at-risk young people and more. In its most recent round, the organisation distributed nearly $2 million across 350 local charities.

Genevieve emphasised that this community strength is not only what makes Canberra unique, but also increasingly resonates with corporates and conference organisers seeking to align with values of purpose and impact.

Through a new partnership with the Canberra Convention Bureau, Hands Across Canberra is weaving social impact into the visitor experience. Delegates could take part in charity fun runs by the lake, engage in interactive sessions on ESG and social responsibility, or support local causes through volunteering, skills-sharing or lively charity pitch nights. These initiatives will provide authentic ways to engage with the city, delivering both meaningful impact and memorable stories for delegates to take home.

"I want us to sell Canberra on more than access to politicians. I want us to present this city to convention, conference and tourism guests as a community that cares, a place that sticks together and looks after each other."

Genevieve urged industry partners to reach out to Hands Across Canberra and join her in making generosity part of Canberra’s brand, showing visitors that this is a city where people care, contribute and belong.