Collaboration between Virgin Australia, Mackay Airport and Mackay Tourism, underpinned by the Queensland Governments Domestic Aviation Restart program, will see an increase in visitation to the Mackay region in May and June, helping to support operators in a traditionally soft period between school holidays.
More than 1,200 seats between Brisbane and Mackay will go on sale with fares starting from just $65, stimulating demand for visitors from South East Queensland to explore the Mackay region.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Mackay seat sale was a good example of airlines and destinations working in partnership.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s Aviation Recovery Fund is designed to help airlines, airports and destinations put together exceptional holiday experiences to support local jobs and regional economic recoveries,” Mr Hinchliffe
“With autumn already cooling Brisbane and the southern states, Mackay and Virgin are in a great position to encourage visitors to start planning a winter tropical escape.
“Discounted flights are an excellent incentive for Queenslanders in the South East to head north to discover Mackay’s warm welcome and natural beauty.
“And, with easy interstate connections into Brisbane, Mackay is also a convenient winter destination from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.”
Virgin Australia General Manager Network and Revenue Management Russell Shaw said, “The discounted fares will deliver a boost for local tourism and allow more Queenslanders to get out and explore the region’s breathtaking national parks and sub-tropical rainforests. Travellers who are keen to escape and head North are encouraged to book on our website.”
North Queensland Airports Head of Aviation Garry Porter said, “We’ve recently seen more visitors passing through the airport for leisure purposes, which is testament to the work of our partners at Mackay Tourism. This fare initiative from Virgin Australia will maintain and stimulate further demand for Mackay and that’s important for the region over the coming months.”
Mackay Tourism Chief Executive Tas Webber added, “Mackay Tourism is providing an investment of $40K to partner with Mackay Airport on a campaign which we hope will drive further reach in the overnight visitor expenditure. We hope that this campaign will provide a chance for visitors to explore our diverse region even further.”
“This fare initiative has been made possible with the support of the Domestic Aviation Recovery Fund from the Queensland Government, working in collaboration with Tourism Events Queensland, Mackay Airport, Mackay Tourism and Virgin Australia to drive visitation to the Mackay region” added Garry.
Virgin Australia currently operates up to three services per day between Brisbane and Mackay. This week, the airline announced it will fly an additional daily service from 20 June 2021 as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary on the route in November this year.
