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Bonza has launched branded holiday packages to all 21 of its current and upcoming destinations.
The low-cost carrier has partnered with travel tech startup Awai to roll out the package deals, which can be booked through its FlyBonza app. The first phase includes flights, accommodation, and optional travel insurance, with the second phase to cover offerings such as car hire and tours.
According to Bonza chief customer officer Carly Povey, the packages have always been part of Bonza’s “broader vision” and echo similar offerings from low-cost carriers overseas.
“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,” she said.
“The team will seek to work with everyone from small family-run accommodation businesses 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 encourages regional dispersal as travellers explore more of their own backyard.”
The launch comes during a school holiday period in which Bonza has so far seen 30,000 passengers across its network – the equivalent of around 160 full flights on its 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline says its most popular routes during these holidays have been Bundaberg–Melbourne, Newcastle–Whitsundays, Albury–Sunshine Coast, Melbourne–Mackay, and Cairns–Sunshine Coast, in no particular order.
This is the latest in a series of expansion moves by Bonza over the past few weeks, including the announcement of flights to Launceston starting 21 November to Mount Isa starting 5 December, and to Darwin and Alice Springs starting 29 November and 12 December respectively.
The carrier’s third base, on the Gold Coast, will see its inaugural flight on 15 November when it launches its Gold Coast–Townsville service.
