The Qantas Group has just made it easier for Australians to help support North Queensland’s recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
In partnership with the Australian and Queensland Governments, and Tourism and Events Queensland, Qantas and Jetstar have launched a special sale to help reboot the region’s vital tourism industry.
Qantas is discounting fares by up to 50 per cent, with domestic Economy sale fares starting from $99 one-way.
Jetstar is offering discounts of up to 45 per cent, with Aussies able to snag fares starting at just $79 for a one-way trip.
Flights to and from most capital cities are included in the sale, which is valid for travel from mid-January to the end of March 2024.
Qantas flights are on sale until 11.59pm (AEDT) on 9 January 2024, while Jetstar discounts are on offer for 48 hours, until 11.59pm 6 January 2024 (unless sold prior).
Qantas Chief Customer Officer Catriona Larritt said the special fares would help “rally Australians to visit North Queensland in the coming weeks and months”.
“Tropical North Queensland communities and businesses have faced incredibly challenging circumstances during this holiday period,” she remarked.
“These heavily discounted fares offer great value for money, with customers able to lock in a last-minute getaway before the summer school holidays end.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan lauded the initiative.
“This is exactly what our operators need up north to get back on their feet and to make up for lost revenue over their peak holiday season,” she said.
“There are some great offers available for an unforgettable Queensland holiday with something for everyone.
“These are really strong price points which will encourage Australians to jump on a plane a take a holiday in Far North Queensland.
“Whether it be enjoying a tropical oasis relaxing poolside or experiencing a great adventure, from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to marvelling at ancient rainforest, exploring the local markets and dining at world-class restaurants – Cairns operators are ready to welcome you.”
Absence felt
Queensland Premier Steven Miles hopes the sale will help bring back tourists to the region, where he says visitors have been noticeably absent.
“Cairns and the state’s far north is a global tourism icon, people come here to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree and Kuranda’s Skyrail,” he told the ABC.
“This is a chance for Australians to see all those things and at the same time support small businesses.”
Miles said the tourism industry had experienced “a massive hit” after Jasper.
“This is a big time of year for Cairns and Far North Queensland tourism. We saw $125 million worth of bookings cancelled just in that first few days as those photos of the flooding went viral around the world,” he explained.
“So we really need to get the message out to Australians first, but also around the world, that Cairns and the state’s far north is open for business.
“If you’re sitting in your lounge room now thinking about where you might go on holidays later in the school holidays or even at Easter or later in the year, really think about Cairns.”
The Queensland Government confirmed that discounted accommodation was also coming soon.
“The discounts on offer are substantial and ideal for anyone looking for an exciting or relaxing tropical getaway,” Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said in a statement.
“They also support the communities of Far North Queensland in their recovery by attracting visitors back to the region.”
Qantas one-way domestic fares (starting from) include:
- Brisbane – Proserpine – $99
- Brisbane – Mackay – $109
- Brisbane – Cairns – $129
- Sydney – Cairns – $149
- Brisbane – Townsville – $159
- Sydney – Townsville – $159
- Melbourne – Townsville – $179
- Bundaberg – Mackay – $179
- Melbourne – Cairns – $199
- Albury – Cairns – $199
- Adelaide – Hamilton Island – $239
- Adelaide – Cairns – $269
Jetstar one-way domestic fares (starting from) include:
- Brisbane – Cairns – $79
- Gold Coast – Cairns – $79
- Sydney – Cairns – $109
- Melbourne – Cairns – $119
- Darwin – Cairns – $135
- Adelaide – Cairns – $139
- Perth – Cairns – $149
