Tourism Council WA has congratulated Tourism Minister Hon Rita Saffioti MLA and Jetstar Group on the commencement of a new direct service connecting Sydney to the Busselton Margaret River region.
Tourism Council WA Evan Hall said the new service was expected to bring 50,000 passengers to the wine region annually and was a welcomed addition to Jetstar’s Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River Airport flights.
“This new flight from Sydney into Busselton Margaret River airport will bring new visitors to WA who are seeking shorter trips direct to destinations such as Margaret River,” Mr Hall said.
“The flight creates opportunities for new itineraries for interstate travellers, such as road trip circuits from Busselton, taking in Albany and the Great Southern.”
The new direct flight will enable WA to attract families from Sydney whose 2024 school holidays take place after Western Australia’s school holidays. This will extend the peak regional tourism period after Western Australian families have finished their school holiday trips.
“Because Western Australian and New South Wales school holidays are staggered, we can provide a great experience for families from across Australia during their peak travel period,” Mr Hall said.
“We expect this new service to attract new visitors to Western Australia from New South Wales, particularly families seeking to visit Perth and regional WA in one trip. For example, a Sydney family could fly into Perth for a major event, then road trip to the South West for a week, before flying home from Busselton Margaret River Airport.
“With higher demand from interstate visitors from this flight expected after WA’s own school holidays, we anticipate the creation of new jobs employing locals for longer.”