More than 38,000 half-price flights sold to Launceston

New figures have revealed more than 38,000 half price tickets to Launceston were sold between April 1 and April 18, for travel from April to September.

The most popular route was Melbourne to Launceston, with more than 26,000 tickets sold.

Next up was Sydney to Launceston, with more than 9200 tickets sold, followed by Brisbane with more than 2400 tickets sold.

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Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the reduced airfares would help Tasmania's tourism industry.

"The colder months are always a challenge for our tourism industry who often have to rely on a bumper summer season to carry them through," she said.

"The discount flights are already proving to be a boost for our region going into the colder months which I hope will provide some relief for an industry that was so terribly affected by pandemic restrictions for much of 2020."

The half price tickets were part of the federal government's $1.2 billion tourism support package, which included 800,000 half-price airfares.

So far, more than 600,000 of the half-price flights have been snapped up in about three weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said planes in the air meant jobs on the ground.

"Australians are taking trips in large numbers with airlines reporting sales dwarfing previous records - our aviation industry is in a remarkable position compared to where it was just one year ago," he said.

"The proof is there in the sky today, as we see Qantas, Virgin, Rex and so many other smaller airlines flying proudly, carrying Australians to their dream holidays.

"The benefit isn't just for those Australians embarking on their holiday at home, it's also a win for jobs in our aviation industry, local small businesses who are now doing a roaring trade and for our tourism operators who have come back to life as a result of these half-price flights."

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the government was making the right investments at the right time to help Australia's economic recovery.

"More than seventy-five per cent of our half-priced tickets have been sold and the rest will go like hot cakes," he said.

"My message to Australians is take advantage of this opportunity to book a cheap holiday through your travel agent and when you're on holiday spend on a tourist activity and a night out to support tourism jobs and business.

"For every dollar spent on a flight ten more will be spent on the ground and from speaking to so many people in the tourism industry, I know this program has made a difference."

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