Cheap flights spark tourism revival in storm-hit Australia

In response to recent severe weather events that have impacted tourism across various Australian states, major airlines are launching significant fare reductions to encourage travelers to return and support local economies.

Several airlines, including Virgin Australia, have launched major sales to revive tourism in regions of Australia recently hit by severe weather. Discounted fares aim to attract travelers and support struggling local economies. Photo: Mitchul Hope, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Virgin Australia, in collaboration with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland, is offering discounted flights to multiple destinations within Queensland. This initiative aims to revitalize tourism in areas recently affected by cyclones and floods. Travelers can find notable deals such as $45 flights from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, and $79 flights to Hamilton Island. These fares are available from March 27 to March 29, or until sold out, and can be booked directly through Virgin Australia's website.

Qantas' domestic and international Sales

Qantas has also announced substantial sales to stimulate travel both domestically and internationally:

• 72-Hour domestic sale Offering over 1 million discounted seats across 60 destinations, with economy fares starting as low as $99. This sale includes selected travel periods throughout April, May, and June 2025, and ends at 11:59 PM (AEDT) on March 27, 2025, unless sold out earlier.
  

• Asia Flight Sale: Providing over 80,000 discounted seats to eight destinations across Asia, including Bali and Japan. Fares include Perth to Singapore from $519 and Adelaide to Bali from $619 return. The sale runs for seven days, covering travel dates from April 19, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
  

AirAsia's return to Darwin

After a seven-year hiatus, AirAsia has resumed flights to Darwin, Northern Territory. The inaugural flights were filled to capacity, signaling strong demand. This renewed service is expected to support the local tourism industry by attracting more international visitors and benefiting local businesses.

Government support and industry response

The Australian Government has maintained funding for Tourism Australia at approximately AU$153 million and committed AU$130 million in secured loans to assist Rex Airlines during its extended voluntary administration. While these measures have been welcomed, industry stakeholders continue to advocate for broader support to ensure the recovery and growth of the tourism sector.

These collective efforts by airlines and government bodies aim to rejuvenate tourism in regions affected by recent natural disasters, offering travelers affordable opportunities to explore Australia's diverse destinations while supporting local communities.