Click Frenzy Places in Need: Travel sale goes ahead amid coronavirus fears

The deadly coronavirus is putting countless holiday plans on hold – but despite the crisis, this annual sale is going ahead for a good reason.

As would-be holiday-makers cancel their upcoming trips in droves as the coronavirus continues its deadly spread, an unlikely sale is due to kick off within hours.

The Click Frenzy Travel sale is always hotly anticipated by travel lovers, and the latest event will begin at 7pm tomorrow.

But while managing director Grant Arnott admitted it would be “ludicrous” to carry on as normal, he said the sale was continuing for one important reason – and with one big change.

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The event is now taking on a new identity with a specific focus on “places in need” following the recent bushfire crisis and now the coronavirus outbreak, which has been decimating the travel sector.

The reinvigorated sale will proceed with the aim of boosting support for travel businesses in need.

“It would be ludicrous to proceed with Click Frenzy Travel as though it is business as usual,” Mr Arnott said.

“Commercially, we should cancel altogether, but out of the carnage we see an opportunity for us to do something good for the many businesses in dire straits.

“We’re ditching our traditional format and we’re aiming to give those struggling businesses a boost via Click Frenzy Places in Need.”

He said Places in Need would shine a spotlight on Australia’s “little-known secrets and stunning treasures” to help the local travel industry along with deals for destinations that shoppers can redeem once it’s been deemed safe to travel again.

It will showcase offers from affected small businesses, with eligible providers receiving complimentary promotion and advertising.

The travel industry has been hit hard in recent months. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The sale event will also run for longer than usual to help as many companies as possible.

“Let’s regrow. No one needs to travel tomorrow, but this is an opportunity for Australians to look at the many amazing destinations available, with some incredible offers for forward bookings,” Mr Arnott said.

“We are working closely with our partners to ensure deals offer flexible dates and cancellation terms to ensure that consumers feel comfortable.

“We truly hope that Australians get behind this initiative and boost businesses in need.”

WHAT’S ON OFFER

There will be more than 500 deals up for grabs including flights, accommodation, packages, experiences, tours, car hire, transfers, parking, insurance, travel essentials and more.

A huge number of Aussie and international brands are also participating, including Virgin Australia, Adrenaline/Red Balloon, Minor Hotel Group, Holiday Inn, Travel Online,

Flight Centre, Klook, Hamilton Island and others.

Some of the highlights this year will include:

• Lakes Entrance (Victoria): Stay three nights and pay for two at Waverley House Cottages

• Oxley (Victoria): Book two nights and get the third free at Yarranungara Yurt Retreat

• Mansfield (Victoria): Adults camp overnight near lions and meerkats for the child price of $45 at Mansfield Zoo

• Kangaroo Island (South Australia): Book three nights and get the fourth free at Aurora Ozone Hotel

• Jervis Bay (NSW): Save $400 at the luxury White Sand Jervis Bay accommodation

• Bungendore (NSW): Purchase a tasting six pack of Lark Hill Wines for $150 (RRP $180) and go into the draw to win one of four private tours

• Bundanoon (NSW): Book a weekend at Fulford Folly and receive a $100 voucher to spend locally

• Fitzroy Falls (NSW): Book now and get your third night free at Redleaf Carriages

There will also be 25 per cent off Metro Hotels in Australia, up to 20 per cent off select Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, up to 50 per cent off destinations including the Gold Coast with Travel Online, up to 30 per cent off experiences including Sydney Harbour Bridge climbs, skydiving and hot air ballooning with Klook and up to 70 per cent off Flight Centre packages to destinations such as Port Douglas.

Meanwhile, members will receive benefits such as early access to deals, and if you’re one of the first 200 Click Frenzy members to make a purchase on Click Frenzy Travel totalling more than $400, you will be eligible to receive a $100 Click Frenzy Visa card.