Discount air fares for Calico Italiano welcomed by AHA
The Australian Hotels Association said affordable fares for the Calico Italiano matches would help providers to maxmise economic benefits
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the WA Government’s partnership with Virgin Australia to offer discounted east coast airfares for the upcoming Calcio Italiano football fixtures, describing the initiative as a timely boost for the State’s tourism and hospitality sector.
AHA (WA) CEO Bradley Woods AM said the discounted airfares were a welcome initiative that would help maximise the economic benefits of Western Australia’s major events calendar.
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“Any assistance that encourages more people to visit Western Australia is good news for local businesses.”
“More visitors means more hotel bookings, more people dining in restaurants and pubs, and more money flowing through the local economy,” Mr Woods said.
The Calico Italiano series is coming to Perth in August, bringing some of the biggest Italian Serie A teams to Australia.
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Palermo will play across three fixtures from August 5 to 11 at Optus Stadium, with an Italian food, music and culture festival taking place in Perth to coincide with the matches.
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Mr Woods said affordable airfares were an important factor in encouraging interstate travel and helping Western Australia compete for major events and visitors.
“These discounted fares help remove a barrier for interstate travellers and provide an extra incentive for football fans to experience not only the matches, but everything Western Australia has to offer,” he said.
“Major events play a critical role in driving visitation during traditionally quieter periods, filling hotel rooms and supporting jobs across the tourism and hospitality sectors.”
Western Australia’s sports program includes a packed calendar of events that are expected to attract significant interstate and international visitation throughout the season.
“With a packed program of sport, initiatives like this help ensure WA captures the maximum benefit from the significant investment being made in major events and tourism promotion,” Mr Woods said.
