The Hon. Joel Bowden, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (NT), Media Release, 7 June 2024
Central Australia is set for a big tourism boost with two new airline routes returning direct to Uluru, thanks to the Lawler Labor Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme and Virgin Australia.
The first of two new services landed in the Red Centre direct from Melbourne last night (Thursday) with Queensland passengers arriving in Uluru today.
Virgin Australia now flies direct to Uluru from Melbourne four times a week and Brisbane three times a week.
The new routes were secured in partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Investments through the Lawler Labor Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme improve travel choices for Territorians and provide a boost to inbound tourism through better aviation access and connectivity.
The TAAS is a cooperative scheme open to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru to create new and extra capacity routes while providing additional choice for NT residents, Territory workers, and visiting family and friends.
The spiritual heart of Australia, the world heritage listed Uluru is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and a must-see for visitors.
Tourism is an important economic driver in the Territory contributing $2.2 billion to the NT economy and supporting a total of 16,300 workers. Aboriginal tourism contributed around $383 million in 2021-22 and supports around 1,440 tourism workers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:
“Welcome to Uluru to Virgin Australia and their domestic and international passengers arriving from Victoria and Queensland.
“Whether you’re touring around the base of Uluru, enjoying sunrise or sunset or taking in the award winning Wintjiri Wiru experience, Uluru is the heart of the Territory’s Red Centre.
“The commencement of Virgin Australia’s service to Uluru will make it more accessible for Australian and international tourists to visit the region, which supports Central Australia’s tourism growth, creates jobs and generates new expenditure in the region.”
Quote attributable to Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka:
“Uluru is an incredibly important destination for Virgin Australia as one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in this country and a much-loved place for holiday makers to visit from all over the world.
“We are proud to be connecting Australians to Uluru as part of our ongoing mission to provide more value and choice to travellers.
“Thanks to our wonderful partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, we will now connect Uluru on a single airline ticket to more than 600 cities around the world, opening a new gateway for international tourists to explore Australia’s iconic Red Centre.”
Quotes to attribute to Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith:
“To see Virgin Australia planes touching down in Uluṟu again is a huge thrill – this is a landmark moment that underscores the boundless appeal of the Red Centre.
“We’re excited to have even more visitors experience the wonders of Uluṟu, along with culturally-immersive experiences like Sunrise Journeys and Wintjiri Wiṟu, through Virgin Australia’s extensive network.”
