By JONATHON HOWARD
KIWI visitors are flocking to Noosa this winter as they take advantage of Air New Zealand’s returned service to the Sunshine Coast Airport.
At a cost of around $168 one way from Auckland to Sunshine Coast (and the same price return) the flight path is now in its third season and experts are tipping a boost to the region’s tourism dollars.
In fact, according to Air NZ figures, the airline will offer close to 13,000 seats between the two ports this winter, which compared to 7500 seats during the inaugural 2012 season.
Tourism Noosa general manager Damien Massingham said he looked forward to welcoming many more New Zealand visitors to the Noosa region for a warm break.
Mr Massingham said Tourism Noosa was targeting New Zealanders as part of the current winter campaign, “Noosa – You Could Be Here”, enticing our Kiwi neighbours to book a warm beach holiday.
“Our events program at this time of the year also has plenty to attract New Zealand visitors – the King of the Mountain Challenge in Pomona on Sunday 27 July, has a great history of NZ participation and victories; the Noosa Long Weekend Festival from 18-27 July, has a range of fantastic arts and cultural performances; and the Noosa Jazz Festival from 4-7 September has long been a favourite with New Zealanders,” Mr Massingham said.
Mr Massingham said the number of nights spent in the Noosa region by visitors from New Zealand increased 6 per cent in the year to December 2013 – “and spending increased by almost 3 per cent,” he said.
The direct Air NZ service will run until 26 October.
