Bonza has today launched a major new offering ‘Bonza Holidays’, allowing Aussies to book tailored packaged holidays via the Fly Bonza app to any one of its 21 destinations.

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 today 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.

Bonza’s offering include a 23kg checked bag, 8kg hand luggage and seat selection included in every package. 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 is a significant part of the airline’s long-term strategy.

“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.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, Whitsunday Airport CEO Craig Turner and Bonza Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey on Daydream Island – Photo: Cameron Laird

“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. Bonza selected Melbourne based travel-tech start up Awai to deliver the package holiday strategy through its app. The two Aussie start-ups are passionate about the role technology can play in opening up Australian travel and connecting more communities.

“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.

Bonza team member Blanca Arcayos on Daydream Island – Photo: Cameron Laird

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.”

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 arrival4. 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.