Australia’s newest low-cost carrier has launched a significant new offering, ‘Bonza Holidays’. From yesterday, Aussies can book tailored packaged holidays via the Fly Bonza app to any of its 21 regional destinations except Melbourne and Darwin.

The move is expected to bring additional economic benefit to all Bonza destinations and, in Southeast Queensland alone, is expected to bring an additional $190 million to the state economy.

Launched yesterday 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, further boosting 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 standard Pick seats included in every package.

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 says the launch of Bonza Holidays is a significant part of the airline’s long-term strategy to provide value across the travel experience and deliver long-term economic benefits for the regions.

“Bonza Holidays has always been part of our broader vision and follows the 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 backyard without 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.

Bonza Holidays is fully integrated into the low-cost carrier’s existing app, which more than 1.26 million Australians have downloaded. 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 technology’s role in opening 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.

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’s 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 backyard,” she added.

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 to support the launch.

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, standard Pick seats and 23 kgs of baggage.