Bonza announces search for Cairns Local Legend as travel increases for the region

Intending to boost tourism, Australia’s newest independent airline has announced a competition that gives away free tickets to the winners. FIND OUT MORE

Cairns Post where to get news

AUSTRALIA’S newest independent airline is looking to involve and reward locals with free flights in their latest campaign to boost domestic tourism for regional areas.

Bonza are searching to crown Cairns’ “Local Legend”, as they encourage Far Northerners to upload a 30-second or less video to Facebook or Instagram showing off the tropical region and why fellow Aussies should visit.

The FNQ Local Legend will receive free VIP tickets for themselves and three friends on Bonza’s first ever flight from Cairns, while also working with the airline to help put Cairns on the map.

Bonza flights will connect regional towns that previously were not previously serviced by direct flight routes. Picture: SUPPLIED.

Bonza’s chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the airline was aimed at creating new markets for Australia’s domestic tourism industry with a particular focus on regional locations.

“We’re an airline for the many and not the few,” she said.

“That’s why we’re calling on real people to share their travel tips and in turn, help fellow Aussies explore their own backyard.”

CEO of North Queensland Airports Richard Barker praised Bonza’s campaign as a “great initiative”, and said he expected Bonza to be very popular within the region.

“Getting locals on board to promote their own backyard is a great initiative that will only enhance the work being done by the local industry itself,” he said.

“Cairns is seeing high levels of visitation from domestic travellers, more capacity and destinations to fly direct will only grow the market.

Bonza flights will connect regional towns that previously were not previously serviced by direct flight routes. Picture: SUPPLIED.

“Serving routes like (the) Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton and Mackay with competitive airfares from Cairns will drive increased visitation at both ends of the route.”

The addition of Bonza’s flight routes comes at the same time as extra international flights being added to the Cairns Airport departure board.

Mr Barker confirmed that Singapore Airlines had plans to increase flights from Cairns to five times per week, beginning May 31.

Jetstar Australia also finalised plans to resume flights from Cairns to Japan from late July to two destinations following Japanese government delays on opening their border to international tourists.

The budget carrier will fly Cairns to Tokyo (Narita Airport) five times per week from July 20, and Cairns to Osaka four times per week from July 26.

Originally published as Bonza announces search for Cairns Local Legend as travel increases for the region