Flights from Perth on sale for $199 as State Government intervenes to boost Kimberley tourism
More than 4000 discounted airfares will be for sale, including $199 one-way flights from Perth to Broome via Virgin Australia, in a bid to encourage Perth families to make up the shortfall from international tourists who have been forced to cancel bookings.
'Broome is one of WA's most iconic and beloved destinations and these additional discounted flights will drive even more visitors to the Kimberley, providing a much needed tourism boost,' Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said.
'While it was disappointing that the Jetstar Asia Broome to Singapore flights were cancelled, we're reinforcing our commitment to enhancing our State's regional connections.
'I encourage anyone thinking of heading to Broome to make that booking a reality to enjoy the fantastic Kimberley region of our State.'
The rescue package is being funded out of the $75 million Aviation Recovery Fund and is on top of 16,400 discounted airfares already funded out of the Budget's $3 million Affordable Airfares Program.
Regional intrastate flights by Nexus Airlines will be discounted too, with $399 fares one-way from Geraldton, $299 from Karratha and $199 from Port Hedland.
'The Cook Government is proud to support the region's tourism industry,' Minister for the Kimberley Stephen Dawson said.
'Not only are these discounted airfares and experiences a win for visitors to the region but it's also a win for regional businesses and tour operators.'
Broome's only international route was axed in June, when Qantas scrapped its Singapore-based Jetstar Asia offshoot to instead bring 13 Airbus A320 aircraft jets back to Australia, to use on more profitable domestic and trans-Tasman operations.
Premier Roger Cook has vowed to try to restore the service but, so far, Qantas and Jetstar Australian management have baulked, claiming the Broome to Singapore flights were barely half-full.
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