24 June 2021
MEDIA RELEASE
“GET TO THE SUNSHINE BY LUNCHTIME” – NEW AIR NEW ZEALAND CAMPAIGN ENTICES KIWIS TO FLY DIRECT TO THE SUNSHINE COAST FOR A WARM WINTER
Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC), Tourism Noosa (TN) and the Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) are launching an integrated multi-media campaign, in partnership with Air New Zealand, to attract Kiwis across the ‘ditch’ to experience a warmer winter on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The campaign launching today will run through to early July in line with direct seasonal flights recommencing from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast from 28 June. The promotion encourages Kiwis to fly direct to the Sunshine Coast to arrive by lunchtime and experience all the region has to offer as they lap up the mid-20C temperatures typical of the region over ‘winter’.
The Air New Zealand campaign highlights the fact that New Zealand travellers can depart Auckland in the morning and be dipping their toes in the famed Sunshine Coast waters by lunchtime. It also showcases the many activities, from dining to adventure, on offer across the region from Caloundra and Mooloolaba to Noosa and the hinterland.
The campaign is being promoted across various digital and social media channels as well as a Kia Ora print feature and in-flight entertainment on Air New Zealand’s domestic New Zealand flights. In addition, the region will welcome a large contingent of media and trade on the first flight to experience the destination first-hand.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said prior to the pandemic, New Zealand was the region’s number one international market with 84,000 annual visitors, 650,000 room nights, and an economic value of $110 million.
“The recommencement of our Auckland service provides an incredible opportunity to grow our important Kiwi market. Not only are they our largest market, but they also travel to the region when we need them the most (ie over winter) and are a great fit for our nature-based experiences and laid-back lifestyle,” said Mr Stoeckel.
Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said, “The direct flights from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast provides a welcome opportunity to increase visitor nights and spend into Noosa”.
“New Zealand has always been a very important visitor mix to our tourism industry and the destination’s economy. Noosa operators are looking forward to welcoming back our fellow Kiwi’s, and sharing our beautiful sunny winter days, sparkling beaches and rolling green countryside”.
Sunshine Coast Airport Head of Corporate Relations Ayllie White said it would be exciting to see the first international commercial flight land on the Airport’s new, internationally capable runway.
“With New Zealand being such an important visitor market, it will be fantastic to welcome Air New Zealand as the first ever international passenger flight to land on our new runway,” Ms White said.
“The Sunshine Coast region has so much to offer New Zealanders – with wide open spaces, relaxed coastal villages and an enviable warm winter, so we are sure the campaign will entice many Kiwis to fly directly into our slice of paradise.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty said that the airline is thrilled to have the direct flights to the Sunshine Coast up and running again.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination for a mid-winter break, so we will be offering three direct flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to allow as many kiwis as possible escape for some much-needed R&R.
“It’s also a wonderful family holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing demand for flights ramp up over the upcoming school holiday period.”
Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to Sunshine Coast from 28 June to 30 October, 2021.
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