REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday March 26, 2009

THE winter air fare war began.

For three hours Virgin Blue offered 1000 one-way tickets between the Gold Coast and Townsville for just $19.

The sale kick-started what was expected to be a highly competitive off-peak season for cheap air fares – and domestic travellers were set to come out the winners.

With the peak tourism season over and tourism numbers down as a result of the economic downturn, low-cost carriers were expected to start an all-out war.

It was a positive sign for the Gold Coast, which was expected to benefit from increased visitor numbers during a time that was traditionally slow.

Traditionally, February and March are the months when the domestic air fare war heats up and Virgin was the first to pounce.

Virgin Blue also offered direct flights between Townsville and Cairns, Canberra and Rockhampton for $19. Before the sale was announced, the Virgin Blue website was advertising flights to Townsville from the Gold Coast for $159.

Main rival Jetstar did not offer a direct flight to Townsville from the Gold Coast. Jetstar was advertising sale flights from the Gold Coast to Sydney and Newcastle for $69 and Melbourne for $89.

In May and June, Jetstar also offered $133 return tickets from the Gold Coast to Japan.

Chief executive Brett Godfrey said Virgin was keen to promote regional tourism across Australia, particularly during the economic downturn. ‘‘As a Queenslandbased airline we understand that access is important for regional tourism to prosper and we are prepared to make the first move,’’ said Mr Godfrey.