Hands up in the high-flying Hunter for international tourist trade - Herald Sun

Brendan and Melinda Smith, of Melbourne, with their daughter Airlie, shortly after arriving at Newcastle Airport. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph

HOPES are flying high in the Hunter region that Sydney's second international airport will be built near Newcastle.

The city is home to one of Australia's fastest-growing regional airports at Williamtown, but international links would provide a gateway for millions of overseas tourists.

Newcastle City Council economic development co-ordinator Greg Fenwick said the region could be a huge drawcard for the Asian market in particular. "Having the airport here would get them out of the city as their first port of call," he said.

"People could see what we consider the real Australia - the un-hustle and un-bustle, the uncluttered beaches and vineyards - before going to Sydney."

Newcastle marketing executive Anna Donnelly said having an international airport so close would be a boon for the local economy.

"But it would also be really handy for people living here. It would mean they could plan overseas trips without always having to go via Sydney or another capital city," she said.

Colleague Elena Chatziconstantinos said she would be more inclined to travel for short breaks overseas if an airport were built close by.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Kristen Keegan said moves were already under way to expand services at the existing airport at Williamtown, but a greenfield site could also be considered elsewhere in the region,

Newcastle Airport CEO Paul Hughes was not surprised that most people surveyed wanted to see the airport built either near Newcastle or on the Central Coast. "Our own research shows a large percentage of our current passengers live on the Central Coast, and some from northern Sydney."