Free Flights to Aus?

**ohmdafyd** · 11-03-09, 23:04

Fly free but spend up big

Melb Age Today.
Mathew Murphy and Ben Doherty
March 12, 2009

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.

Inbound tourism has taken a considerable hit, falling by at least 1 per cent compared to a year ago.

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.

"We can really limit the impact of the recessionary slide on tourism through this," he said. "We can try and hold the numbers that we were at and that would be a really good scenario or, if there is a Santa Claus, we might increase the numbers against the trend."

Mr Millen, who came up with the idea earlier this year, said the money could be redirected from the Government's pre-existing tourism marketing budget.

He said Tourism Queensland's "Best Job In The World" promotion, which has already generated $70 million in free publicity, was an example of the type of innovative tourism project that could succeed during tough economic times.

Independent Tourism Holdings director Steve Cusworth, who is steering the project, will meet with the federal, state and territory governments, as well as airlines and industry players, to discuss the proposal.

Victoria has defied the national trend, recording an increase in the number of foreign visitors to the state.

And those arriving in Victoria are spending more too, with a nearly 10 per cent increase in total expenditure by international visitors south of the Murray.

Across Australia, the number of international holidaymakers to Australia dropped 6.5 per cent to 141,000 in 2008.

The figures are expected to slip further as the global financial crisis tightens its grip on economies, and disposable incomes, around the world.

Mauricio · 11-03-09, 23:07

No, thanks. It's a royal pain in the posterior to get an Australian visa.

**ohmdafyd** · 11-03-09, 23:14

Originally Posted by Mauricio

No, thanks. It's a royal pain in the posterior to get an Australian visa.

I suspect that in the context of the article, should it be put through the Parliment, there will be a corresponding easing of Visa requirements dependng upon some criteria.
I don't see why you would have a problem, mite.

Mauricio · 12-03-09, 08:26

I can get a "visa on arrival" with most countries. With Australia, I have to go to the embassy to submit paperwork, photos, etc. Plus I once had a negative experience with Australian consular staff who had an obvious anti-american slant...

**Tim M** · 12-03-09, 10:02

Since when was 1% a considerable hit?

**baliexpat** · 12-03-09, 13:26

I really don't get the Australian government. Recently they gave people cash bonuses as a way to improve the economy. It's not like the money is free as it will only be added to the deficit and paid for by taxpayers. Like this campaign it shows the world the government has plenty of money to throw around.

**ohmdafyd** · 12-03-09, 13:27

Originally Posted by Mauricio

I can get a "visa on arrival" with most countries. With Australia, I have to go to the embassy to submit paperwork, photos, etc. Plus I once had a negative experience with Australian consular staff who had an obvious anti-american slant...

Mite, if Australia had a 'visa on arrival' system most of South East ,Asia, Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and so onnnnnnn, including quite a few of your compatriots would be there in 5 mins flat ;}...
The bullshit I have to go through to get here and stay for up to six months is not easy for me to accept either!... monthly run arounds with Immigrasi, and Polisi, letting the RT know I'm here..blah blah blah..it's all part of the game, now If Indonesia were offerring free flights, I personaly would be happy to jump through a 'ring of fire' ;}

But it is true however, Aussies are highly 'sus' of you guys ;}

**ohmdafyd** · 12-03-09, 13:32

Originally Posted by Tim M

Since when was 1% a considerable hit?

ever since newspapers were invented and journalists were able to exaggerate a point to enhance a story, It's called 'journalistic licence"

**ohmdafyd** · 12-03-09, 13:37

Originally Posted by inmedan

I really don't get the Australian government. Recently they gave people cash bonuses as a way to improve the economy. It's not like the money is free as it will only be added to the deficit and paid for by taxpayers. Like this campaign it shows the world the government has plenty of money to throw around.

True..
It is showing up in the stats tho' that the cash bonus's are being spent, theoretically perhaps saving some jobs which in the long run saves money as it would be far more costly for the Gov to support the newly unemployed via social security.

Signs of desperation are emerging all over the world and in relative terms the amounts Australia is spending is a pittance compared to the US and others.

Maby those bank execs still getting huge payouts should be made to fnance this programme ;}

**simarkbotak** · 12-03-09, 13:41

Originally Posted by Mauricio

I can get a "visa on arrival" with most countries. With Australia, I have to go to the embassy to submit paperwork, photos, etc. Plus I once had a negative experience with Australian consular staff who had an obvious anti-american slant...

I can apply online and have a visa to Oz in 5 minutes? (German Passport)

Wife? Indefinite..