Sydney Tourism News and Information: Australian Domesic Intentions Fall as International Picks Up

More Aussies are taking advantage of the strong Aussie dollar and planning overseas trips, dropping the number of Australians intending to travel domestically down three percent over the year compared to the same time last year.

According to a Roy Morgan Research Holiday Tracking Survey, the number of Aussies intending to go on a domestic trip over the next 12 months has fallen to 55 percent while the number planning an international trip grew nine percent in August this year, up one percent on the same month last year.

Roy Morgan Research international director of tourism Jane Janniello said domestic travel may pick up if expert predictions that the Aussie dollar will weaken come to life.

“However, the long-term outlook for domestic tourism is not rosy, with the percentage of Australians saying they would like a domestic holiday at 76% in August 2011, down from 78% in August 2010 and 80% in August 2006,” she explained.

Of the Aussie 14 years and older, around 68 percent said they intend to take at least one holiday over next, down from 70 percent last year.

Ms Janniello added that the leading was for Aussies to plan a trip is online and through books, with 86 percent of holiday intenders access the net at least once a month, while 61 percent say internet is most useful media for travel and accommodation.
“Of those holiday intenders who booked their last holiday, 58% did so via the internet,” she concluded.

Australian Domesic Intentions Fall as International Picks Up

The Changing Shape of the ‘Family Holiday’

Work and family commitments are being blamed for only a fifth of Queenslanders taking holidays once a year for less than one week.

Despite this figure, Tourism Research Australia reports the number of Australians taking more day and overnight trips was on the increase.

According to Moreton Island Adventures chief executive Roz Shaw there has been a big increase in time-poor Queenslanders coming for short weekend breaks over the last few years.

“There is no doubt that the traditional family holiday is changing shape, but what still remains is that 91 per cent of people recently surveyed still prefer the beach holiday whether it be for an overnighter, a long weekend, or if they are lucky the week,” Mr Shaw said.

“We have some of the world’s very best beaches at our door step and with this increase in weekend visitations, Moreton Island is certainly experiencing the positive effects of the short term holiday market.

Also supporting the local tourism push, Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said the new ‘There’s nothing like Australia campaign’ aims to encourage Australians to take a fresh look at the best local holiday experiences.

Tell the Nation Why There's Nothing Like Australia and Win!

Tourism Australia is inviting the nation to tell their fellow Aussies why There's nothing like Australia for a chance to win an amazing holiday.

To enter, simply upload your favourite Australian place or experience to nothinglikeaustralia.com.au and in 25 words or less explain why there's nothing like Australia.

Entrants could win one of 16 Australian holidays to the most inspiring and creative holiday entry, as voted by a judging panel made up of representatives from Tourism Australia, Qantas and Luxury Lodges of Australia. In addition you can enter a 'dream team' and bring up to five people with you to share in the amazing holiday experience.

The promotion runs until October 31, 2011.