In good news for Australian tourism companies, AAT Kings has seen a massive surge in demand for domestic tours.
As a bonus, the Travel Corporation (TTC) owned tour company has taken a closer look at its data to share a few key travel trends it reckons will shape the year ahead.
The AAT Kings travel team has spotted an increase in bookings for groups and families wanting to reconnect after extended lockdowns and border closures.
Inquiries around small groups for travellers 55 years and over, as well as private domestic charters and private charter flights are also increasing.
Overall, while international travel is set to increase, Australia will remain extremely busy for domestic travel in 2022, especially when it comes to trips visiting iconic Australian destinations.
Travellers are seeking off-the-beaten-track adventure, with AAT Kings seeing a big uptick in “bucket list” type tour bookings, as well as Short Break tours (averaging 5 days).
Destinations that are proving extremely popular are Top End and Red Centre experiences, as well as Tasmania and Western Australia, with particular interest in bookings from March through July 2022. Outback Queensland has also seen a surge in search enquiry.
These growing trends in part have also led to AAT Kings’ latest tour offering, Queensland Spirit: Heart of the Outback, a seven-day experience that gives guests the chance to experience outback Queensland’s biggest off-the-beaten-track attractions.
“As popular coastal Australia hotspot destinations book up, with limited availability and higher prices, especially over the warmer months, families are turning to true Australian bucket list and outback destinations for their next family holiday in 2022,” said AAT Kings groups and charters manager, Robyn Quinlan, who is also part of the wider TTC groups division.
“Increased inquiries for private family charters have also steadily increased, hinting at a keen desire for family groups to reconnect after extended lockdowns, celebrate missed moments and create memories together in the new year.
“It is advisable for families to utilise reputable tour operators, which is something AAT Kings can provide, to provide support as things reopen.”
Domestic restrictions are difficult for consumers to navigate, so AAT Kings has also lent into technology to help assist customers with planning their travel amidst the changing climate created by the pandemic.
This has included launching the Sherpa Widget which helps guests navigate the necessary requirements for their travel including necessary documentation and current restrictions. AAT Kings has also recently launched its own Facebook chatbot to communicate information with guests swiftly and effectively.
Featured image: AAT Kings Earth Sanctuary Alice Springs NT
