Qantas wraps up another state deal
Qantas and the Tasmanian government have taken the wraps off a $4.35 million tourism cooperative agreement to promote Tasmania internationally and within Australia.
The joint marketing agreement will target potential visitors from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland Australia.
The agreement follows similar deals between Qantas and New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory and takes the total joint investment in tourism to $60 million over three years.
"Qantas is the largest private investor in Australian tourism and we’re delighted to be part of this partnership that will see more tourists visit Tasmania," said Qantas International CEO Simon Hickey.
Qantas began courting state government agencies after a row with Tourism Australia over the role of chairman and former Qantas boss Geoff Dixon and his consortium who reportedly sought to influence Qantas strategy and force a leadership change.
Qantas in November last year suspended its multi-million dollar and 40-year-old relationship with Tourism Australia.
The agreement with Tasmania will advertise special airfares and promotions around major events and activities, as well as having a strong focus on digital platforms.
Tasmanian minister for tourism, Scott Bacon said air access to Tasmania was one of the state government’s highest priorities, "and is an integral part of our island lifestyle and is essential to our tourism and the broader economy".
Separately, Virgin Australia has announced it will extend its sponsorship deal with the AFL for another five years.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps