Domestic tourism is fighting back with more Australians dismissing overseas travel in favour of a domestic getaway over the summer months, new research has revealed.
A new survey of 500 Aussies by lastminute.com.au found that 83% of respondents were planning to take a holiday over the months of December, January and February with two thirds of these holidaymakers planning a domestic trip.
The research also revealed a year-on-year increase in domestic hotel bookings for summer so far with Sydney, Perth and Adelaide all experiencing "significant surges".
The figures buck the recent trend for overseas travel buoyed by the strength of the Australian dollar.
Lastminute.com.au spokesperson Kirsty Harrison attributed the skew to recent unusual weather.
"The relatively late arrival of hot weather across much of the country has no doubt played its part in inspiring people to make the most of the warmer weather and feel more confident about booking a trip," she said.
In addition, the research found that bookings for the Australia Day period, based on January 26 to 28, were up considerably by 251% on last year.
Harrison attributed the huge increase to the event falling on a Thursday rather than midweek as it did last year.
"If you didn't opt to take time off this Christmas, and even if you did, you can take one day off after Australia Day and enjoy a four day break," she said.
Image: www.dealme.com.au
