Virgins inaugural Darwin-Bali service will provide another gateway for international tourists to come to the Territory as well as giving locals greater choice when booking holiday flights to Bali.
The NT Governments $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package includes a strong focus on growing sustainable air services into the Territory, with this new Bali service following on the back of a new Qantas Darwin/Uluru/Adelaide service, a new direct service from China by Donghai Airlines, increased Jetstar Asia services between Singapore and Darwin, and additional SilkAir services between Singapore and Darwin.
Turbocharging tourism marketing efforts have already delivered an extra 56,632 tourists to the Territory, smashing the Governments target of 53,000 by the end of June.
We have welcomed 298,000 international visitors who have contributed $472 million to the Territory economy for the year ending December 2018. This is a 10 per cent increase of international visitors to the Northern Territory in the most recent December quarter 2018.
To attract international tourists on to the new Bali service to come to the Territory, Tourism NT is launching an Expedia marketing campaign in United Kingdom and Europe via TripAdvisor and social media with an add on Australia to your Bali holiday message.
Tourism NT will also undertake a cooperative marketing campaign with Virgin Australia in Bali to build inbound demand on the route by promoting major events such as the Supercars, AFL matches and Darwin Festival and other reasons for immediate travel.
The seasonal service will operate three times per week, between 10 April and 20 October 2019, on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft (176 seats). Flights can be booked on www.virginaustralia.com
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
This is a great outcome and a vote of confidence in the Territory.
We have been advocating for some time to attract another carrier to the Darwin-Denpasar route, and its great to have Virgin Australia respond to that call.
The services open up potential for new tourist packages into Darwin incorporating some of the Territorys key events, which is good for tourism and the jobs the sector supports and creates.
Through Virgin Australias strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, HNA Aviation Group and Singapore Airlines, this route will allow them to draw visitors from Europe and the United States over Bali and into Darwin.
The new services are also great news for Territorians who are looking for greater accessibility to holiday destinations and more choice when it comes to air travel.
As stated by Virgin Australia General Manager of Indirect and B2B Sales, Ann Elliott:
We are thrilled to be launching our first international service from Darwin. Virgin Australia couldnt be prouder to bring the full service experience to this route, with a travel-friendly schedule to match.
We have always been known to raise the bar in terms of our products and services and from today onwards, we will be bringing strong competition to this area of our network.
We look forward to welcoming Territorian travellers on board, as well as stimulating tourism and jobs growth in the region.
