International tourists could be offered free flights to Australia in a bid to counteract the downturn in tourism due to the global financial crisis.
Under the plan, labelled the “Mayday Project” and due to be put to the Federal Government this week, visitors who take up the offer will be required to spend a specified amount of money, say $5000, within Australia, which would bolster local shops, hotels and restaurants.
The airfares, which would be offered at a discounted rate by participating airlines, would be paid for by the Government. Airlines have suffered a massive decline in passengers, particularly in the international market.
The Mayday Project is the brainchild of Independent Tourism Holdings’ innovation director Glenn Millen, who says the free flights, favourable exchange rate and novelty of the promotion would position it strongly to succeed.
Source: The Age
By: steve rowell - 17th March 2009 at 03:35
$5000 is nothing…i know i spend (actually the Mrs does) more than that on most trips abroad…the return airfare Melbourne-LAX is more than that!!!
By: Bmused55 - 16th March 2009 at 12:12
$5000?
I can fly to Australia, have a holiday and come back for less.
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th March 2009 at 22:53
(Damn this thread title was exciting for a moment.)
Wouldn’t mind the free flights, but spending $5000 would mean spending more in total for me.
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March 15, 2009 at 10:27 pm