A major Aussie airline has slashed airfares to the Sunshine State as tourism bosses begin the task of luring visitors back to Queensland following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Virgin Australia has teamed up with Tourism and Events Queensland to offer cut price deals to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as well as the Whitsundays and north Queensland.
Holidaymakers can snare one-way flights from Sydney to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast from as little as $45 and from Melbourne for just $55 one-way.
The move comes amid concerns the tourism sector will cop a major hit during the usually busy April holidays because of interstate visitors spooked by the damage caused by Alfred.
But tourism bosses are positive about the coming weeks after a disappointing March following the cyclone.
“The April numbers are looking very encouraging. We’ve got a great campaign that’s about to launch, we’re seeing excellent numbers in accommodation a few weeks out and we’re really confident we’re going to have a great Easter,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“Easter is very important for our operators. It’s really important for the whole economy on the Gold Coast and we’re really confident all the work the city has done, the campaign by Experience Gold Coast, has put us in a great position.”
The flight sale is set to coincide with another major campaign offering Gold Coast locals and tourists special deals on tourism experiences across the city.
It’s expected to be a similar campaign that was run during COVID to help boost the sector.
“I can share there’s going to be more than 150 offers for visitors and locals which is fantastic news. I know it’s got a range of experiences and offers and accommodation and culinary and it’s going to be a great campaign,” Mr Warn said.
More details are expected to be revealed on Friday.
Virgin Australia’s Queensland flight sale ends on March 29.
Queensland flight deals:
Sydney-Sunshine Coast from $45
Sydney-Gold Coast from $45
Brisbane-Proserpine (Whitsundays) from $55
Melbourne-Gold Coast from $55
Sydney-Cairns from $79
Sydney-Hamilton Island from $79
Brisbane-Hamilton Island from $85
Melbourne-Cairns from $99
Brisbane-Townsville from $109
