The Australia federal government unveiled a $1.2 billion tourism stimulus package which includes up to 800,000 subsidised flights. Aimed at keeping workers at Qantas and Virgin Australia in jobs, the flights, partly funded by the taxpayer will give regional tourism operators a boost too.
It expects to subsidise about 46,000 airfares a week to destinations such as the Gold Coast, Cairns, Alice Springs and Launceston. It has been designed to drive travel demand and support accommodation and hospitality businesses across the country.
"This is our ticket to recovery – 800,000 half-price airfares to get Australians travelling and supporting tourism operators, businesses, travel agents and airlines," said PM Scott Morrison.
