Australia’s newest low-cost carrier has launched a major new offering,Bonza Holidays.
Aussies can book tailored packaged holidays via the Fly Bonza app to any one of its 21 destinations – all of which are regional with the exception of Melbourne and Darwin.
The move is expected to bring additional economic benefit to all Bonza destinations and in SE Queensland alone is expected to bring an additional $190 million to the state economy.
Launched during school holidays from the Whitsundays, the first phase of Bonza Holidays includes fully packaged flights and accommodation with optional travel insurance. A second phase will launch next year and include car hire, activities, attractions and tours in what will be a further boost to the domestic tourism market.
Described as a “game changer” by leaders in the tourism industry, Bonza’s unique offering will see them include a 23kg checked bag, 8kg hand luggage and seat selection included in every package. In a bid to stay true to their promise of great value, Bonza will also offer a price match guarantee by refunding the difference if a customer finds the same holiday cheaper elsewhere within 24 hours of booking.
Speaking from Daydream Island in the Whitsundays, Bonza’s chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the launch of Bonza Holidays was a significant part of the airline’s long-term strategy to provide value across the travel experience and deliver long term economic benefit for the regions.
“Bonza Holidays has always been part of our broader vision and follows best practice of low-cost carriers internationally, many of whom the team have had the pleasure to work for.
“Every single destination on Bonza’s route map will be included as we continue to fulfil our mission of making it easier for Aussies to explore more of their own backyard without it costing a packet. By doing so, we will bring more economic benefit to the regions we fly to,” she said.
“Just like our all Aussie menu has delivered opportunities for food and drink providers, most of whom are small to medium businesses, Bonza Holidays isn’t just about the big chains that travellers love to stay at, it is about choice for all and value whatever your budget, the team will seek to work with everyone from small family run accommodation business to holiday parks through to large hotel chains in a move that recognises the accommodation landscape in regional Australia.
“What you see on the app today is just the beginning. We’ll be adding more choices for where to stay in all 21 destinations and next year, we’ll be calling on attractions and tour operators to package their experiences.
“The second phase will also include car hire which encourage regional dispersal as travellers explore more of their own backyard.”
Bonza Holidays is fully integrated into the low-cost carrier’s existing app which has been downloaded by more than 1.26 million Australians so far.
After a competitive tender process, Bonza selected Melbourne based travel-tech start up Awai to deliver the package holiday strategy through its app. The two like minded Aussie start-ups are passionate about the role technology can play in opening up Australian travel and connecting more communities.
With a focus on dynamic travel technology, Awai’s platform leverages real-time pricing with more than 500 million offers updated every few hours. It also provides AI-driven responses for customer travel planning queries through its natural language interface.
“Our partnership with Awai will see two Aussie start-ups work together in revolutionising the way Australians view, book and enjoy package holidays. We were impressed with Awai’s tech capabilities and our shared vision to simplify planning and booking holidays for Aussie travellers. This partnership further cements Bonza’s commitment to technology and supporting local,” said Povey.
Alongside Tourism and Events Queensland and local tourism operators for the historic announcement, Mayor of Whitsunday Coast Region Julie Hall said she was thrilled to see Bonza expand in the region by offering more economic benefit to the local tourism industry.
“Bonza is setting the standard for delivering for hard working Australians. Their low-cost flights have already seen Whitsunday Coast Airport have its strongest performing months on record. Our tour operators, restaurants, cafes and shops are seeing more people visiting from the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle and are looking forward to welcoming visitors from the Gold Coast later this year,” said Mayor Hall.
“Our community welcomes the opportunity of Bonza Holidays with open arms. It will boost tourism by making it easier and more affordable for Aussies to holiday in their own backyard,” she added.
Ms Povey said announcing Bonza Holidays in the Whitsundays was only natural.
“I would like to give special mention to Craig Turner at Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Whitsunday region who have steadfastly supported Bonza from long before we went wheels up, we can’t think of a better place to announce the next stage of our adventure,” she said.
To support the launch, Daydream Island in the Whitsundays has partnered with Bonza to offer customers a $25 food and beverage credit and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Travellers from the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Newcastle can book a package holiday to the Whitsundays from $1085 per person including direct flights, seven nights on Daydream Island, seat selection and 23 kgs of baggage.
To book a Bonza holiday, travellers will need to download the latest version of the Fly Bonza app and in the first menu select ‘book a holiday’ from the homescreen.
