DISCOUNTED one-way airfares from Sydney to drought-affected economies has been launched in a bid to attract city dwellers to visit regional NSW.
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The discounted QantasLink fares from Sydney to western NSW, including Wagga, Dubbo and Albury will be available between December and mid-2020.
The airfares from Sydney to Wagga will be priced from $119 and are available to book now until November 6.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said this strategy has extended on from the $3 million that has been raised for drought and flood-affected communities across the nation.
"These sale fares are a great opportunity for Sydney residents to explore their home state and give a much-needed boost to regional communities," Mr Gissing said.
"Regional NSW is a spectacular place to visit, with so much to see and do and we encourage Sydneysiders to head west and experience it for themselves."
A search on Wednesday found the cheapest flight from Sydney to Wagga on November 30, a day before the discounted fares start, costs $183 and saves just $64.
This is a joint initiative by Destination NSW, the state government's tourism and major events agency and Qantas.
Stuart Ayers, NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, said this was a great opportunity for Sydney residents to take a break not too far from home.
"Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional NSW centres," Mr Ayers said.
"Regional NSW accounts for more than half of the state's tourism jobs and generates $19.1 billion in tourism related expenditure, which continues to grow.
"There's no doubt that this persistent drought is tough for families, businesses and communities in regional NSW, so every bit helps when it comes to spending and supporting local."
