18 to 35-year-olds offered £10 return flights to Australia
Young people who want to travel to Australia have been offered the chance to get their hands on £10 return flights from the UK to Adelaide, starting next month.
In a move designed to encourage young people from the UK and Ireland to come and work in the country’s hospitality, farming and outback sectors, the South Australian Tourism Commission announced the scheme and its super-cheap flights today.
The new worker’s scheme will echo a similar mass migration scheme known as ‘ten pound Poms’ back in 1945 and hopes to help plug existing gaps in the country’s workforce.
However, like with any good deal, there’s always some sort of catch. In this instance, there are only 200 flights available – so you’ll need to be fast if you want to book yours reports The Manc.
Starting from next month, young people in the UK and Ireland will be able to get their hands on the super cheap flights – with the option to fly out of Manchester, Edinburgh, Heathrow or Dublin to Adelaide, via Qatar Airways.
The scheme has been commissioned by the South Australian Tourism Commission, which acknowledges the value young people bring to its job market and tourism industry.
Cheap flights will be offered to 18 to 35-year-olds travelling on a working holiday visa before 30 September. It’s hoped that travellers will then take up jobs in the country’s hospitality, farming and outback station sectors.
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said: “South Australia is welcoming the return of working holiday makers – it’s a real win-win for young people eager to travel and work abroad, and for our local tourism industry.
“Our tourism operators have missed having international visitors on their tours and experiences and booking up accommodation, and they’ve also missed the backpacker workforce and the vibrancy they bring.
“These backpackers foster a love for our state and our country which often inspires them to return later in life.
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“Whether it’s in our bars, restaurants, wineries and hotels, or on our outback stations and farms, there are so many ways that British and Irish citizens can work in Adelaide and in regional South Australia, helping to not only fill roles but provide an economic and cultural exchange benefit which advantages both sides of the globe.
“We look forward to welcoming back young people from the UK and Ireland, and encourage them to make the most of these £10 fares.”
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How can you apply?
Those who want to take part in the scheme will first need to register with TrailFinders ahead of their ticket date, and have a working holiday visa either approved and valid or in process.
Those who manage to secure a ticket will also have to buy an add-on of at least £171 for an Adelaide Arrival Pack.
Packs are available in different price ranges, and include either a three or six-night hostel stay, a12 month membership to ‘The Backpacker List’, three-month access to a domestic work and travel support line, and a work and travel information pack.
Feature image – Wilford peloquin via Flickr