New travel routes to boost tourism

THE Geelong-Surf Coast tourism industry expects a new flight path linking Avalon Airport to the Sunshine Coast will deliver a sorely needed shot in the arm for the sector during its pandemic recovery.

Freshly launched Australian budget airline Bonza struck a deal with Geelong’s airport for three direct weekly services to Sunshine Coast Airport, strengthening a travel link between two of Australia’s most popular tourism regions.

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine (TGGB) research indicates that before the pandemic, 41 per cent of visitors to the region came to see friends and relatives.

TGGB executive director Brett Ince said the direct access to Geelong from a new market would encourage travel and reignite tourism spending.

“Connecting these two destinations will make it easier for Geelong expats to travel to their hometown and for friends and relatives to visit loved ones in our region,” Mr Ince said.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity of promoting Geelong and The Bellarine to Sunshine Coast residents as a destination of choice with world-class events, unique food and cultural experiences, and natural wonders to explore.”

Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings said he was thrilled to begin the partnership, which he said would make travel easier and more affordable.

“The Sunshine Coast is such a popular travel destination and we have had many requests from the public to fly directly to the region for some time,” he said.

“We know that Victorians will love hearing this news and it’s fantastic that we can now offer this service via Bonza with competitive low airfares.

“Victorians are eager to travel again, and we are here to make that experience as easy as possible.”

Avalon Airport currently has one Queensland route: Jetstar has two daily flights out of Avalon to Maroochydore and Gold Coast, and one return flight.

Bonza launched in October last year and promised new air routes to open travel opportunities for Australians living outside of major cities.

It announced 25 routes and 16 destinations across Australia’s eastern seaboard last month.

“We will be delivering on our promise to give Aussies more options for leisure travel,” Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said.

“Not only will the flights open up new markets for the region’s tourism industry, locals will have the opportunity to explore their own backyard with ultra-low fares.”

Bonza said flights were due to go on sale within the next six weeks, pending regulatory approvals.