THE tourism industry is banking on a $100 million doubling of the size of the Gold Coast Airport terminal to deliver a much-needed boost. Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, who on Monday officially opened the redevelopment, said the airport was the sixth busiest in the nation and contributed around $1 billion to the economy each year.

Mr Albanese said the redeveloped terminal - now covering over 30,000 square metres - would lead to "substantial increases in economic activity over the long term". "It is one of the fastest growing airports in Australia and a vital gateway to some of Australia's most popular tourist destinations in southeast Queensland and northern NSW," he said.

Queensland Transport Minister Paul Lucas said the Gold Coast region had a threefold attraction, as a domestic, international and business destination. Mr Albanese said the new terminal has been specifically designed to support low-cost airlines and their passengers, a growing segment of the aviation industry.

The airport currently handles 4.9 million passengers annually, including over half a million international visitors. The airport's chief operating officer Paul Donovan said the focus of the redevelopment was to ensure the terminal is fast and efficient.

"There is just one main check-in area for all airlines with self-service kiosks, a single baggage collection and screening point with 10 minute maximum baggage travel time, and one main departures and arrivals area," he said. The airport also has a convenience store and prayer room for international visitors, as well as 13 food and beverage shops and eight specialty shops.

The automatic baggage system can handle 44 bags per minute and there is an oversize conveyor and screening for golf clubs and surf boards.