Sales of 800,000 half-price airfares to 15 destinations badly hit during the COVID-19 pandemic have begun, and airlines have joined the party with great deals and their own deals.
Sales come as the tourism industry experiences another tremor of uncertainty with Brisbane on lockdown and a new case of COVID-19 in Byron Bay.
Industry insiders said the Brisbane lockdowns had an immediate impact, but bookings for Easter were strong overall.
Of the 800,000 discounted seats, all of which are economy class, 260,000 are on Virgin flights and more than 500,000 are shared between Qantas and Jetstar.
The number of discounted seats varies depending on the travel destination. Virgin offers 85,000 flights to the Gold Coast and 10,000 to Cairns.
While tickets are available at half price until July 31 (for flights from mid-April to September 30), Qantas was to offer reduced fares for another 50 destinations on more than 200 routes from midnight yesterday evening. Tickets for flights under this offer (known as the « Everywhere Else » sale) are available until April 8th.
Andrew David, CEO of Qantas Domestic and International, said it was unfortunate that the Brisbane lockdown affected some Easter plans, but it was a « temporary setback ».
« Almost every destination Qantas and Jetstar fly to is up for sale, including numerous opportunities to get half-price fares under the government’s tourism stimulus package, » said David.
Virgin Australia announced that it will extend the status of its Platinum and Good Velocity members for up to 18 months.
CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said half-price airfares would give regions a sense of hope and give thousands of tourism businesses the much-needed boost.
« To ensure maximum flexibility within the program, we are also expanding our flexible flight policy for all fare bookings at half price. This is to ensure that everyone can book securely and knows that they can definitely take advantage of this great value. » Tickets, « she said.
Australian holiday is a dollar that supports a local job and business, « Tehan said.
« We want Australians to do their patriotic duty and book a vacation through them this year
Travel agency, and while away to eat at restaurants, go to the pubs and book tours
However, critics of the government’s $ 1.2 billion aviation package, backed by a $ 8 million advertising campaign, said it would do little to help the Sydney and Melbourne tourism industries.
In a joint statement, the Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia said that forward contraction rates for properties in Sydney and Melbourne were only 10 percent for the next quarter.
« Given that international travel is still a long way off and the business travel market is still marginal, this is unlikely to improve anytime soon, » the organizations warned.
The goals included in the half price program hope it will have a significant impact after 12 months of horror.
« We’re still hoping for a strong Easter and April school break, with flights to the Gold Coast continuing to grow despite the Brisbane lockdown, » Patricia O’Callaghan, CEO of Destination Gold Coast, told News Corp.
« We are confident that the federal government’s flight package program will be popular with Aussies looking to enjoy a well-deserved vacation in the country’s most desirable travel destination.
« The Gold Coast is open to business and we know these cheap flights will be a catalyst for more hotel bookings today. »
The general terms and conditions apply to all flights. Visit the Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia websites for more information.
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