Did someone say half-price airfares? THEY SURE DID. The Government is sinking $1.2 billion into rescuing tourism by offering 800,000 half-price airfares, which frankly has me just about running to the airport.
Economic recovery boosted with a holiday
The tourism industry took an absolute beating in 2020 and now it’s time to support those regions that are so reliant on the tourist dollar. And if that means we all have to pack our bags and relax, well then, so be it.
The government’s stimulus package means Australian travellers will have access to 800,000 half-price airfares to 13 tourism-reliant, holiday hot spots including the Gold Coast, Cairns, Launceston and Kangaroo Island, just to name a few.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was reported saying the tourism stimulus package would help the country’s pandemic-hit industries and regions on their way to economic recovery. He says:
“We have to get tourists on the ground and that’s what is going to keep people in their jobs.”
“Just like we have seen in many states where people have been getting in their cars and going to those tourist destinations, we need to get fights to far-flung areas in Cairns, Gold Coast and northern Tasmania and ensure those visitors are getting there.”
That’s right, a holiday has NEVER been more justifiable than what it is right now.
Explore your own backyard (and beyond)!
When our state borders were closed, we all did our best to stimulate the local economy by eating out and enjoying staycations, but now it’s time to broaden our horizons!
With the numbers crunched, the PM also says that every dollar spent on an airfare ticket equates to around $10 spent on the ground in the region.
“This is our ticket to recovery – 800,000 half-price airfares to get Australians travelling and supporting tourism operators, businesses, travel agents and airlines who continue to do it tough through COVID-19, while our international borders remain closed.”
“This package will take more tourists to our hotels and cafes, taking tours and exploring our backyard.”
So ladies, scope out your accommodation, plan your family activities and get ready to book those half-price airfare tickets!
What you need to know
- Half-price airfares to run from April 1 to July 31 2021.
- 50% discount on domestic fares – travel to and from the locations will be subsidised by the taxpayers.
- Routes are based on being reliant on tourism for Gross Domestic Product and particularly dependent on aviation for tourism from April to July.
- The number of tickets released will be driven by demand and locations the flights will depart from. It’s estimated there will be an average of 46,000 discounted fares per week up for grabs.
- The half-price tickets will be available from airline websites from April 1.
- Any air operator who has operated the routes in the previous two years will be eligible, but mostly the big three carriers – Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.
So, where do they go?
And because we are travel-hungry Australians, here’s the lowdown of the routes destined to be on offer (subject to change depending on airline negotiations and demand).
Gold Coast (Queensland)
- Adelaide – Gold Coast
- Melbourne – Gold Coast
- Sydney – Gold Coast
- Canberra – Gold Coast
- Avalon – Gold Coast
Tropical North Queensland (Queensland)
- Melbourne – Cairns
- Sydney – Cairns
- Darwin – Cairns
Whitsundays and Mackay region (Queensland)
- Sydney – Proserpine
- Sydney – Hamilton Island
- Sunshine Coast (Queensland)
- Sydney – Maroochydore
- Melbourne – Maroochydore
- Adelaide – Maroochydore
Lasseter and Alice Springs (Northern Territory)
- Adelaide – Alice Springs
- Sydney – Uluru
- Brisbane – Alice Springs
- Melbourne – Alice Springs
- Perth – Alice Springs
- Sydney – Alice Springs
- Brisbane – Uluru
- Melbourne – Uluru
Launceston, Devonport and Burnie (Tasmania)
- Melbourne – Launceston
- Sydney – Launceston
- Brisbane – Launceston
- Melbourne – Devonport
- Melbourne – Burnie
Broome (Western Australia)
- Darwin – Broome
- Sydney – Broome
- Melbourne – Broome
Avalon (Victoria)
- Gold Coast – Avalon
- Sydney – Avalon
Merimbula (New South Wales)
- Melbourne – Merimbula
Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
- Adelaide – Kingscote
Savings and fun to be had
There you have it, folks, there’s SAVINGS and so much FUN to be had with half-price airfares tickets going on sale in just a few short weeks. It’s a holiday maker’s time to shine!
