WA tourism towns on low-cost carrier radar

The North West’s two biggest tourism drawcards are at the front of the line for the introduction of low-cost carriers to WA.

At a hearing for the parliamentary inquiry into regional WA airfares, Tourism WA destination development executive director Derryn Belford revealed Exmouth and Broome would likely be the first markets to be serviced by low-cost carriers if they could be attracted to the State.

Ms Belford said Exmouth and Broome were “marquee” destinations which already had a level of awareness which could warrant introduction of low-cost carriers.

“Our medium-term goal is to attract a low-cost carrier into Western Australia, operating multiple routes and with a specific focus on growing the leisure market through its lower fare structure and concentrated marketing activities,” she said.

“When you go south... it is still a drive market, but it is north where the opportunity lies from a tourism perspective.”

Ms Belford said the inclusion of fares to Exmouth for stopover passengers flying with Qantas was an asset. Qantas recently revealed it was in discussions with the State Government to bring its budget airline, Jetstar, to WA.

Qantas domestic chief executive Andrew David said the airline was working with the Government to address some of the challenges sitting in the way of Jetstar taking to the WA skies.