Cheaper Airfares to bring more holidayers to Queensland

• Virgin Australia, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, has released more than 300,000 sale fares - to Queensland destinations like Cairns, Hamilton Island, Townsville and more.
• The initiative is partly supported by the $5 million Tourism Recovery Package following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, jointly funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments.

Aussies can snap up big discounts on Virgin Australia flights to Queensland from a range of locations, supported by the $5 million Tourism Recovery Package following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The package is partly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The seven-day sale - which runs from today until 11.59pm AEST 20 February 2024 (or unless sold out prior) - gives travellers even more reason to experience a Queensland holiday, particularly in North Queensland.

To find a great airfare, visit https://specials.virginaustralia.com/au/sale/queensland-summer-sale

Tourism and Events Queensland is also currently running the ‘Unmissable Deals’ campaign across Australia and New Zealand, offering more than 500 deals on Queensland accommodation, attractions and tourism experiences. Go to queensland.com/unmissabledeals

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Tourism and Trade, Don Farrell:

“Tropical North Queensland tourism operators want to get back to doing what they do best – helping visitors enjoy the unique and exciting experiences the region has to offer.

“These new discounted flights mean Australians can take a tropical break and help support the recovery of the local tourism industry.

“I encourage everyone to book a discounted flight and explore this wonderful part of the world.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“As a proud Queenslander, of course I’m going to say everyone should holiday in our great State, but now really is the best time to visit.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to experience the Reef and the rainforest without breaking the bank, while also delivering a much-needed boost to a community and a tourism industry which has been hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

“The Albanese Government is proud to support this initiative and we welcome Virgin Australia on-board as the recovery continues for the region.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister, Michael Healy:

“Virgin Australia’s fantastic discounts on flights will allow up to 300,000 travellers to enjoy all of what Queensland has to offer.

“We’d love more people to visit our beautiful Tropical North because the best way to support impacted operators is to book a holiday.

“We welcome the funding that is being pumped into the region and this support will be a lifeline for many businesses.”

Quotes attributable to CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland Patricia O'Callaghan:

“Our last partnership with Virgin Australia saw us break records as almost half a million people flocked to their site on the first day of the sale to snap up a bargain flight to Queensland.

“We are once again expecting Aussies to get excited about these deals and book their next trip to Queensland and that is great news for our tourism industry right across the state.

“In particular we’re supporting North Queensland to share its world-class adventures which are back up and running following recent weather events.

Quotes attributable to Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Dave Emerson:

“We are delighted to be supporting Queensland in an effort to boost tourism with our seven-day sale, giving more Australian travellers the opportunity to experience the incredible and varied attractions our state has to offer.

“With sale fares starting from just $69* one-way, travellers can enjoy a great-value Queensland holiday while supporting local tourism.

“We encourage travellers to get in fast as seats are expected to sell quickly.”

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green:

“Far North Queensland is open for business, the Reef and the Rainforest are ready for visitors, and our operators are ready to hit the boats and hit the road with holidaymakers.

“Now is the best time to come experience our region, and I’m so proud of our Government supporting this great call to get visitors up here.

“I implore every Australian, if you’re looking for a place to go, take advantage of this sale, and book FNQ!”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO, Mark Olsen:

“Many Australians are dreaming about their next holiday and this airfare sale will help that dream become reality.

“Tropical North Queensland is ready to give visitors the summer getaway they deserve with more than 2000 experiences to try.

“Snorkel with turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, walk through one of the world’s oldest rainforests with a Traditional Owner, or discover the fun of river tubing.”

Quotes attributable to Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith:

“Townsville Enterprise is excited to see these new flight incentives with Virgin Australia, which we know will be key to welcoming back Australian visitors once again. We know how successful flight incentives have been and can be for our region.

“We have been hearing from our industry for weeks now about the challenges and ensuing perceptual barriers following recent weather events, and this is a welcomed first step toward sharing the messages that we are indeed open for business in Townsville North Queensland.”

Quote attributable to Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton:

"This sale provides an excellent opportunity for people thinking about visiting the Whitsundays to experience the beauty and adventure of our region at an affordable price.

"There’s no doubt it has been a challenging start to the year for our tourism operators, but the people of The Whitsundays are wonderfully resilient and are now back to business as usual, with truly unique and certainly many romantic experiences on offer.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Healy: Bill Walker 0437 859 987

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Sale fare highlights (one-way Economy Lite fares)*

• Brisbane <> Cairns from $69*
• Brisbane <> Proserpine from $69*
• Sydney <> Sunshine Coast from $69*
• Sydney <> Gold Coast from $79*
• Brisbane <> Hamilton Island from $86*
• Sydney <> Cairns from $89*
• Sydney <> Hamilton Island from $95*
• Melbourne <> Hamilton Island from $99*
• Melbourne <> Gold Coast from $109*
• Melbourne <> Cairns from $115*
• Brisbane <> Townsville from $115*
• Adelaide <> Gold Coast from $119*  
• Perth <> Cairns from $125* 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

*Sale ends 11:59pm AEST Tuesday 20 February 2024, unless sold out prior. The $69 fare example is for a one-way Economy Lite fare from Brisbane to Cairns. Fares based on bookings on the internet. Subject to availability. Fare prices are in AUD. Travel periods and conditions apply.