Air New Zealand currently flies from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast three times a week as part of its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia, but the airline has announced that, in 2016, it will add an extra weekly flight to the schedule during peak times in July, and in September and October.
Earlier this year, the airline also extended its season to cover eight months of the year with the changes representing at least a 10% increase in capacity
Local businesses could use flyer printing to advertise special offers for visitors from across the Tasman such as two-for-one meal deals at restaurants or discounted accommodation.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the changes showed interest in the Sunshine Coast as a tourist destination was growing and would boost the local economy, saying:
“This commitment by Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia is terrific news for our tourism industry with New Zealanders now having even greater direct access to our Sunshine Coast and its outstanding range of accommodation options and tourist attractions.”
Flights will run from June to October and from December to February, and will arrive on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Sundays during peak periods.