production

MARGARET River has always been one of Australia’s most rewarding wine regions to visit – but also one of the most difficult to get to.
From Sydney and Melbourne, it has always meant a three-four-hour flight plus a long drive. Until now.
The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) has welcomed the news that Melbourne and Busselton will be connected via a direct flight route, with Jetstar announcing that it will commence a Melbourne-Busselton service from March 25.
Jetstar will operate the service three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing at Busselton Margaret River Airport at 9.05am and departing at 9.40am.
The new service will certainly offer easier access to the Margaret River region for interstate travellers.
The service will be supported by MRBTA and Australia’s South West (ASW), with the two tourism bodies working together to deliver a training and capacity building program for regional businesses wishing to welcome airline passengers.
Alongside its industry development program, MRBTA has committed $100,000 to market the new route.
Tailored editorial, itineraries, inspirational imagery, video and travel advice will be shared via the MBRTA marketing and visitor servicing channels.
Former MRBTA CEO Pip Close, who is returning to the organisation to assist with major strategic projects, said securing the new route was an important milestone for tourism in the Margaret River region.
“The new air service coming to fruition is a landmark achievement for the region and we congratulate the teams at the City of Busselton and Tourism WA, who have led the way in attracting the airline,” she said.
“Closer interstate links will help to diversify the region’s visitor profile and mitigate its heavy reliance on the intrastate market. We look forward to welcoming these visitors, who we know are highly attracted by the diversity of experiences on offer within the compact area of the region, as well as the combination of premium wine and beautiful coastline.”