WA government to subsidise more flights to boost regional tourism
Thousands more flights will be subsidised by the Western Australia government to help hard-pressed regional tourism businesses.
The WA government agreed an arrangement with Virgin Australia and Qantas to offer 50,000 seats over the next year on routes to Broome, Exmouth and Kununurra out of Perth.
It is the biggest regional flight offer program ever in WA, said Premier Mark McGowan.
"This will ensure those communities will have affordable airfares over the traditional down time and this will ensure that more Western Australians are able to travel to our regions to enjoy the amazing and unique tourism experiences," McGowan said.
Starting in November, up to 18,000 one-way flights will be available to Exmouth from $149 during the low season and $169 in the high season.
There will also be 20,000 one-way Virgin Australia flights to Broome from November at $199.
Subsidised flights begin from March 2021 to Kununurra.
"It will also mean locals in those parts of Western Australia can access these fares and also come down to the city," McGowan said.
Tourism Council of WA chief executive Evan Hall lauded the initiative.
"This deal will drive bookings for tourism businesses for next year’s peak season, and give them the confidence to open up again," Hall said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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