Hire-car firm offers discount rates

A popular vehicle rental company has unveiled plans to discount car hire between Perth and the North West as WA begins to feel the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Hertz will reduce its relocation fee on selected vehicles for one-way rentals from Perth to Exmouth, and from Exmouth to Perth, from April 1 to October 31 in 2020 and 2021 as part of a two-year trial, initially looking to boost tourism in regional WA.

The company will also offer reduced relocation fees for one-way rentals between Exmouth and Paraburdoo, and Perth and Paraburdoo, during the off-peak season, to encourage self-drive tours to Karijini National Park.

Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said she was pleased Paraburdoo was included in this initiative.

“With measures being implemented by Federal and State governments with regards to international and interstate travel to contain the spread of coronavirus, we are optimistic that many West Australians will take this opportunity to explore our region and holiday locally,” she said. “We are cautiously concerned about the effect of coronavirus on our tourism industry and are aware some of our local tourism operators are receiving cancellations and have a reduction on bookings based on last year’s figures.”

Shire of Exmouth president Matthew Niikkula said there was a widespread apprehension within the tourism industry.

“The one-way car hire was a long time in the making and will support fly-and-drive packages from interstate and international visitors in the future,” he said.