Sarah Courtney,Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
For the first time in Launceston Airport's 90 year history, travellers can now fly direct between Launceston and Perth with Virgin Australia operating the new seasonal service three times per week.
This new service is a major win for travellers seeking more direct connectivity to interstate destinations, and comes as we head towards the end of the year and the busy summer period.
Virgin Australia is now operating more Tasmanian services than ever before, and has announced six new direct services to Tasmania since September, representing an additional 20 flights per week.
These flights will enable 28,000 passengers to make trips in and out of Tassie every month over the summer holiday period representing a significant opportunity for Tasmania's tourism industry.
This brand new service will make it easier than ever for travellers from Western Australia to plan a getaway to Tasmania, with more time on the ground to explore what Tasmania has to offer.
These flights could not be starting at a better time, with the Tassie Holiday Voucher program kicking off yesterday encouraging travellers from the states of South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland to travel to Tasmania between now and 31 December 2021.
We hope that the lucky ballot recipients take advantage of more direct flights to Tasmania from these markets over the coming months.
These additional flights and the voucher scheme complement our Reconnecting Tasmania Plan, and the Government will continue to work with businesses and industry to ensure the health and safety of all Tasmanians.
Based on Tasmanian specific modelling and our strong vaccination rates, we are confident that our State can open while ensuring we have the safety nets in place to keep on top of COVID.
The modelling takes into account the retention of some important hygiene measures and COVID safeguards, including gathering restrictions, density limits, and mask wearing in high risk indoor settings.
To ensure businesses have the information they need, a roundtable will be held in coming weeks with Public Health, industry peak bodies, airlines and TT Line ahead of the borders reopening on December 15.
In addition, following advice from public health in regard to incoming travellers from 15 December, testing will only remain in place for higher risk jurisdictions such as NSW, ACT or Victoria for up to four weeks.
This means if you're coming from lower risk jurisdictions, such as WA, Queensland, NT or South Australia, you would not be required to have a test prior to travelling.
Virgin Australia's seasonal flights to Perth arrive and depart Launceston Airport every Monday, Friday and Sunday, before moving to daily services from 13 December 2021.
I'd like to congratulate Virgin Australia on this great initiative and thank it for its ongoing support for our State and all Tasmanians.
