Launceston among locations to receive half price flights

The tourism and aviation package includes supporting airlines to increase flights in 13 locations, including Launceston, and will include 50 per cent discount on domestic fares.

The chosen regions/routes are based on being reliant on tourism for Gross Domestic Product and particularly dependent on aviation for tourism during April to July.

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The Examiner understands the routes to and from Launceston will include Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer said the announcement was a result of strong engagement with the tourism and hospitality sector.

The sector was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic and snap border closures in Tasmania and Australia.

"From my ongoing discussions with northern Tasmanian operators, I know they will be thrilled by this commitment of discounted fares from major cities into Launceston," Ms Archer said.

"It will provide a further boost to our region as we recover from COVID and head into the traditionally-quiet winter period."

The package also includes a small business loan scheme to support small business in COVID recovery.

It includes up to $5 million 10-year loans with 24-month repayment holidays for small businesses who have graduated off JobKeeper between January 4 and March 28.

"As a region, which has become an increasingly-popular national tourist destination, the pandemic has clearly had an affected on many in the industry. The Recovery Loan Scheme is another important step by our government to ensure businesses have the financial support they need as they continue on the path to recovery," Ms Archer said.

To snap up one of the government's half-price tickets, simply jump online to your airline's website from April 1 and reserve your seat.