29/8/00
Tourism Minister Norman Moore has welcomed the announcement by Qantas Airways of discounted air fares to Perth from the Eastern States.
The new one-way fares are $165 from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The new fares also allow travellers to fly from Perth to Broome, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania for $165, from Perth to Karratha, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs and Adelaide for $110 and to Paraburdoo and Kalgoorlie for $55.
The one-way specials across Australia are available for travel between September 1 and October 8.
Mr Moore said that the new discounted fares were the result of close association and negotiation with Qantas.
"The Western Australian Tourism Commission has been working hard to ensure WA remains competitive with the rest of the country, particularly at a time when discount air fares are in place on the east coast," he said.
"We continue to recognise the need to compete with the Eastern States and today's announcement is another way in which we've done that."
WATC chief executive officer Shane Crockett said the discount fares would help tourism businesses across the State - with about 70 per cent of interstate holiday-makers coming into WA moving into regional areas.
John Borghetti, Group General Manager, Qantas Airways, said the discount fares demonstrated their commitment to WA.
"Qantas has a large network throughout Australia and we will continue to make discounted fares available to consumers in all cities, not only those on the East Coast," Mr Borghetti said.
"Domestic bookings through the Olympic period have been softer than expected and we anticipate that these fares will stimulate business.
"Qantas has consistently been competitive and will continue to be so.”
Media contact:
Hartley Joynt, Minister’s office, 9321 1444
Sue Waters, Western Australian Tourism Commission, 9220 1750
