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Thursday 1 April 2010
Tourism boost for Christmas Island - Virgin Blue flights start TODAY
"This is the biggest boost to tourism the island has ever seen," declares Linda Cash, of the Christmas Island Tourism Association.
Commencing today, Virgin Blue will operate two weekly direct flights between Perth and Christmas Island on a modern Embraer E-190 Jet Aircraft, and a third weekly service via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Flights to the remote Australian Territory dubbed 'Australia's Galapagos' will carry up to 104 passengers and cut the flying time to and from the mainland by over an hour compared to previous air services.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said "We're confident our new services will further stimulate tourism to this most remarkable jewel of the Indian Ocean."
"Virgin Blue's new service to Christmas Island is a win, win, win for both the local community and tourists - increased seat capacity, less time in the air, and most importantly better value," says an ecstatic Ms Cash.
Standard economy fares ex-Perth to the Indian Ocean getaway start from just $464 one-way on the net – significantly cheaper than fares offered by previous carriers to the island.
Another enormous benefit for travellers is that they can book through to Christmas Island with connecting flights from all over the extensive Virgin Blue network.
"This increase in accessibility means that people who have only ever dreamt of travelling to our shores for our famous crab migration, our whalesharks, our seabirds, our rainforest can finally explore our natural wonders" exclaims Ms Cash.
Although the first flight isn't scheduled to land on the Christmas Island tarmac until 1620-hours this afternoon, Virgin Blue's flights to the island are already having a positive effect on the local tourism industry. "Island accommodation and tour operators are reporting that the phone is already ringing off the hook with enquiries," explains Ms Cash.
The secret is finally out. Discover Christmas Island before the rest of Australia does.
For more information on Christmas Island, check-out www.christmas.net.au
No, this isn't an April Fool's Day joke – Virgin Blue really are flying direct to Christmas Island! For more details, including detailed schedules and fares, visit www.virginblue.com.au
Did You Know? Christmas Island is home to more than 35 species that exist nowhere else on the planet. These include the island's bright red land crabs which, after witnessing, celebrated naturalist Sir David Attenborough recently named as one of his top ten nature experiences … ever!
Christmas Island – A Natural Wonder