Published: 20 January 2023
The Western Australian Government, through Tourism Western Australia, has announced a $6 million Tourism Flood Recovery Package to support tourism businesses impacted by the recent record flooding across the Kimberley.
The package includes 18,720 new affordable airfares between Perth to Broome and Kununurra to drive visitors to the Kimberley region, as well as ‘open for business’ marketing activity to be launched by Tourism WA and a voucher incentive program to boost bookings for local tourism operators.
Affordable airfares to the region will be delivered in partnership with Virgin Australia, which will offer discounted fares between Perth and Broome from $219 one-way and between Perth and Kununurra from $259 one-way, for travel from 27 March to 29 October 2023.
National marketing activity will be launched ahead of the 2023 peak tourism season in the Kimberley, alongside details of the voucher incentive program.
The $6 million funding package comes as holidaymakers are urged to keep their Kimberley bookings this year, or postpone trips to flood-affected areas, rather than cancel future visits.
Travellers are also encouraged also check with accommodation providers or tourism operators before changing travel arrangements.
Popular tourism hotspots like Broome, Derby, Kununurra and surrounds are still operational and ready-and-waiting to welcome visitors for the upcoming tourist season.
The package is an initial response aimed at driving visitors to the Kimberley this year while supporting the local tourism sector as it responds to the recent flooding. Further industry funding support may be made available in future.
All discounted airfares will go on sale on 25 January and are available until allocations are exhausted.
For the latest updates on travel conditions to the Kimberley, visit Australia's North West.