Exploring ‘The World’s Most Beautiful City’: A Trip to Perth, Australia [Report]

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has resumed its direct flights to Perth, Western Australia, from October 2023, exploring flights to this area often dubbed ‘The World’s Most Beautiful City’. We joined a press tour and interviewed Mr. Yosuke Mabuchi, the manager of ANA’s Perth branch.

-How does the Perth route differ before and after the pandemic?
Mr. Mabuchi: There hasn’t been much change. There is a significant business demand, especially from Japanese companies involved in the energy sector, with high-profile executives often visiting Perth.

For instance, traveling to Perth via Sydney necessitates almost 10 hours of flight from Japan, followed by another 5 hours. Some travelers also come via places like Singapore. However, with the direct flight, it only takes about 9 and a half hours from Narita to Perth.

The azure sea and white sands of Rottnest Island

-What about tourism demand?
There is also a significant tourism demand in Perth. Attractions include Rottnest Island, home to the ‘world’s happiest animal,’ the Quokka, and vineyards around Perth. However, given Australia’s size, it is not considered a destination for tour packages that promote traveling around the country. As far as Sydney and Perth routes are concerned, they are seen as entirely independent in terms of tourist demand.

Interestingly, there is a high demand from Australia for skiing and snowboarding in Japan. Therefore, although the service was daily before the resumption, it is now three flights a week. Additionally, the regular service will be suspended during the summer months.

The ‘world’s happiest animal,’ the Quokka, appearing to smile

-Is there a need to dig deeper into tourism demand to increase flights?
Yes, we are considering whether we could fill a daily service. However, we need to balance this throughout the year.

As for tourism, Perth is cool during July and August, which might be preferable over the hot Japanese summer. Conversely, we hope to appeal to the inbound market, which finds the Japanese summer appealing. We are currently promoting ANA’s Perth flights through various means, including bus ads.

Perth’s appeal includes abundant fresh produce and a variety of international cuisines, courtesy of its immigrant population

-How has the local reaction been since resuming the Perth route?
We have received many positive comments about the resumption of direct flights. Looking at the map, everything from Perth takes about 5 hours, so there’s a bit of a sense of isolation here, but not in a bad way.

Having an additional way out is something everyone, including Australians, appreciates. Perth airport, being one of the smaller international airports, sees ANA’s flights to Japan as a great addition.

-Why is Perth considered ‘The World’s Most Beautiful City’?
Western Australia, where Perth is located, produces natural gas and oil, enriching the state’s finances. This has allowed for proper city maintenance and free public buses, among other things. The relatively high police presence also makes it a safe place to stay.

The city has free-operated buses, available for tourists as well