The partnership between Virgin Australia and the WA Government is now one of the State’s most successful-ever intrastate flight deals, with all of the nearly 8,000 discounted tickets selling out in the first week of the promotion.
The partnership, launched on July 21, offered airfares between Perth and Broome and Perth and Kununurra for $199 one way and $229 one way respectively, with the discounts available both ways.
The partnership sees the Perth-Broome route return to a daily service (up from three per week) and Perth-Kununurra flights running three times per week (up from two per week).
The increased services are adding 22,000 extra seats to the Kimberley from August 3, 2020 and October 31, 2020, providing an important boost to the region’s tourism industry and wider economy as it manages the impacts of COVID-19.
Virgin Australia has reported that the partnership is one of its best ever sales which demonstrates the State Government’s Wander Out Yonder campaign is working to encourage Western Australians to travel the State and support the regional tourism industry.
Following the success of the sales, Virgin Australia has itself scheduled additional flights between Perth and Broome over the peak October school holiday period.
These additional flights will operate on Monday, Friday and Sunday from September 25, 2020 until October 11, 2020.
Anecdotal reports from industry indicate the State’s regional tourism sector has enjoyed very strong visitation in recent weeks, in particular over the school holidays.
Most regions are reporting very strong numbers as Western Australians take advantage of opportunities to holiday at home this year.
Negotiations are ongoing with a number of airlines to secure discounted airfares for visitors and residents for a range of regional destinations.