Thursday, April 11, 2024
New research from the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, conducted by Pure Profile and involving 1,500 participants, indicates a rising trend of residents choosing to spend their Autumn school break exploring closer to home amidst escalating living costs. The study, which tracked travel preferences from March 29 to April 29, during the school holidays, found that a significant 70% of Australians plan to vacation, with a notable shift towards local travel—41% opting to stay within their state boundaries, an increase from the 36% recorded last summer. The data also shows a preference for shorter vacations of seven days or fewer, with a budget cap of under $2000, reflecting the impact of financial pressures on travel decisions.
“More Australians are exploring the beauty of their own state these school holidays, helping support the industry by spending their tourism dollars locally,” Ms Osmond said.
“But we’re concerned the sector is still feeling the impact of cost-of-living pressures with many families taking shorter holidays than originally planned, staying with friends or relatives to save money or recently cancelling their travel plans altogether.”
TTF CEO Margy Osmond expressed enthusiasm over the boost in local tourism, anticipating a robust Autumn vacation season supported by these travel choices.
“Australians ranked travel and holidays as their top priority when it comes to non-essential spending, showing just how vital it is to take a break with family or friends,” Ms Osmond said.
The survey highlights New South Wales (NSW) as the leading destination, attracting 33% of domestic travelers, followed by Victoria (VIC) at 25%, Queensland (QLD) at 24%, and Western Australia (WA) at 7%. City-wise, Melbourne tops the list with an 11% visitation rate, trailed by Sydney (10%), Brisbane (6%), Perth (4%), and Adelaide (3%).
In terms of regional attractions, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Queensland lead, followed by the South Coast of NSW and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, among others. Internationally, Europe, New Zealand, and Indonesia are the preferred destinations, with Japan, the USA, and Thailand also making the list.
Osmond also highlighted the resilience of Australians in prioritizing vacations despite financial hurdles, with travel emerging as the top choice for discretionary spending. This contrasts with other non-essential expenses such as personal care and gifting.
The study further identifies the main economic concerns affecting Australians, including food and grocery costs, interest rates, and housing expenses, underscoring the broader context of financial management and its influence on holiday planning.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
