Flight sale to pull tourists

Qantas airfares from the Eastern States to Broome have been slashed as part of a $150,000 campaign to bolster visitor numbers to the Kimberley town.

The national carrier and Tourism Western Australia last week started a joint marketing push to attract more business and premium leisure travellers, primarily from Sydney and Melbourne, to Broome and Perth.

In addition to print, radio and online advertising, the airline has launched a six-day sale on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to Broome starting on February 27, for travel from April 1 to October 13 this year.

One-way flights to Broome from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are on offer for $285 and $255 from Adelaide.

Package deal return airfares from Perth to Broome drop to as low as $199.

Qantas domestic chief executive officer Lyell Strambi said the company’s partnership with Emirates was also set to boost regional tourism, including Broome.

“Emirates has started selling airfares to Broome, Geraldton, Learmonth and Perth to visitors from the United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East as part of Qantas’ joint network with the airline,” he said.

Mr Strambi said the Qantas fleet of aircraft as well as its network, lounges and frequent flyer program, made the airline best for business and leisure travellers.

“Qantas gives passengers a premium and seamless travel experience with the flexibility to choose a flight that suits their preferred travel times, itinerary and Frequent Flyer points balance,” Mr Strambi said.

“We are also the only domestic airline operating out of Western Australia that offers a meal and checked baggage to passengers as part of their fare, no matter what time they are flying or which class they are in.”

Mr Strambi said the airline was delighted to be working with Tourism Western Australia to promote the east-west routes.

“As the largest airline operating into and within the State, Qantas has a strong relationship with Western Australia,” he said.

“The core of our marketing campaign is to highlight the potential of the region and its key attractions to visitors on the eastern seaboard, including beaches, hotels, restaurants and business conference facilities.

“The campaign is a great opportunity for Qantas to support local tourism businesses.”

Qantas operates about 100 return flights with more than 26,000 seats from Perth to Sydney and Melbourne each week, and 25 services with more than 3500 seats each week to Broome from Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Glen Chidlow said Broome was considered a desirable destination by people on the east coast, but is regarded as expensive.

“These fares provide a very affordable option and are very competitive with other holiday destinations,” he said.