Thousands of subsidized flights are now available to northern WA to help its tourism industry survive the low season as the state remains closed to the rest of the world
The WA government has reached an agreement with Virgin Australia and Qantas to provide 50,000 flights over a 12-month period to and from Perth to Broome, Exmouth and Kununurra
Premier Mark McGowan said it was the largest regional flight deal in state history and provided a « vital economic boost » to the region. hardest hit by COVID-19 «
« This will allow these communities to benefit from affordable airfares during traditional downtime and ensure that more Western Australians can travel to our regions for incredible and unique tourism experiences. » said M McGowan
As of November, 18,000 one-way flights to Exmouth are available starting at $ 149 in low season and $ 169 in high season
« It also means that people in those parts of Western Australia will be able to access these fares and also get to town, » Mr. McGowan
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said he would also encourage people from the regions to travel to Perth, where the inner city hotel industry is struggling
« That said I know large hotels that are not COVID isolation sites are over 80% (occupancy) on weekends
« During the week, it’s rather 15, so 18% on average about 60% more, not bad in a COVID world »
It was not revealed how much the flight deal cost WA taxpayers, but follows a similar deal reached in July where 8,000 flights were subsidized to Broome and Kununurra
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Broome, Tourism, Exmouth, Virgin Australia Airlines, Kununurra, Perth
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