Airfares unlikely to change, says new tourism boss

Australia's North West Tourism's new chairman Ian Gay has cautioned local residents that the cost of airfares to and from the Pilbara is unlikely to drop in the near future.

The former Qantas State manager recently joined the tourism marketing body and said he would continue pursuing the goals set by past board leaders, but understood Pilbara residents might hope his industry knowledge could help bring about cheaper flights.

While he said he understood why Pilbara residents liked to compare how flights from Bali to Perth were often cheaper than fares to Hedland, he said low-cost carriers, including potential new entrants from China, had so far shunned the Pilbara.

"Bali has got seven flights a week by low-cost Asian airlines, and Jetstar, and in bulk markets that is where low-cost carriers thrive," he said.

"They go in where there is a serious leisure market, but Port Hedland is not Bali and you have got to deal with the market that is there, which is largely, over the last five years, dominated by large companies.

"A lot of corporate people want frequency, they want reliability (from an airline) and they are prepared to pay for it.

"But I sympathise with the view that it would be good if the airlines could find ways to be a little bit creative (in their flight offerings to the Pilbara)."

Mr Gay said a weakening Australian dollar and cheaper fuel prices should boost regional tourism.

"A lot more people will now be thinking about holidaying in Australia," he said