Travel emerges as most popular purchase for Aussies in 2014
Travel has been revealed as the number one spending priority for 2014, coming ahead of cars and home renovations, according to a new report.
The MasterCard Consumer Financial Priorities survey found over a third of Australians said the most popular purchase in 2014 will be a holiday within Australia, with one in three also listing an overseas holiday.
However, saving was the overall top priority, with 46% of Aussies committed to putting their money away this year.
But 38% of those being sensible with their cash, were actually saving it up for an overseas trip – an 8% jump on 2013 which placed it above paying off the mortgage, saving for a car or a special event such as a wedding or an anniversary.
Of those saving for an overseas trip, 51% were aged between 18 and 24.
“Lately it’s been widely reported that levels of confidence amongst consumers are on the decline, so it’s interesting to see that Australians are moving away from large purchases such as cars and home renovations, and are focusing their spending on experience-based activities like holidays,” MasterCard Australia country manager, Andrew Cartwright, said. that despite a recent decrease in consumer confidence, it’s interesting to see that Australians are prioritising travel over other financial priorities.
The encouraging consumer sentiment towards travel is also being reflected in the trade, according to the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).
Recent data showed the industry outlook on domestic travel for the year is “buoyant” with sentiment around the performance of domestic tourism at its highest point on record.
TTF chief executive Ken Morrison identified both studies as a “positive sign” for both tourism and the economy.
“It’s clear Australians still have an appetite for travel in 2014,” he said.
“Particularly pleasing for domestic operators is news that Australians are interested in exploring their own backyard. This is also good news for our economy, with more than 530,000 Australians directly employed in tourism across the country.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
consumers ken morrison mastercard tourism ttfLatest News
Jetstar connects travellers in Cairns and the Sunshine coast for the first time
Jetstar flew its inaugural flight between Cairns and the Sunshine Coast last night, connecting families and friends just in time for Christmas. The new service will operate three times a week, increasing to four during the summer school holidays, creating an affordable link between two of Queensland’s most popular tourism destinations. Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills […]
Emirates renews Australian Open support with five year commitment to tennis down under
Sure, five years is a big commitment, but think of all the free tickets Emirates' movers and shakers will be able snag!
Helloworld Travel Frontliners Forum wraps up in Singapore
The 2024 Helloworld Travel Frontliners Forum has wrapped up in style in Singapore as more than 500 attendees enjoyed the conference at the Marina Bay Sands Conference Centre. The conference was attended by agents from across the Helloworld branded and associate networks, My Travel Group and Magellan from across Australia and New Zealand, as well […]
The DARWIN200 conservation mission sails into Hobart
The DARWIN200 conservation mission aboard the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sailed into Hobart ahead of a programme of conservation projects. The Oosterschelde set sail from Plymouth Harbour, UK, in August 2023 on an epic two-year planetary conservation mission retracing Charles Darwin’s voyage of the Beagle and training 200 young environmentalists along the way. The aim was to inspire […]
ATIA safeguards members financial details ahead of FY24 accreditation-renewal period
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has its commitment to safeguarding the sensitive financial data of its members as preparations commence for the FY24 accreditation-renewal period. With members about to receive ATIA’s request for FY24 financials, ATIA has today provided members with an update on its robust privacy and data security measures. “ATIA takes its […]
Luna Park back in the hands of local owners after 20 years
That face may be iconic, but it doesn't stop it being scary AF.
Hong Kong hosts first-ever Leaders of Luxury
If you've visited HK, you'll know there's no shortage of lux shopping, but now they have the summit to match!
Philippines’ Department of Tourism launches its first dive experience
One to check out if you are a keen diver! See you under the water.
50 Degrees North unveils new tour maximising opportunities to see Northern Lights
We get the Australis Borealis down under, but the chances of catching it are akin to that of the Loch Ness Monster!
Spain becomes latest country to demand more information from tourists
What about the good old days where you could just travel around and lie about your identity? Or was that just us...
Telstra study shows that more than half of Aussies lack emergency plan
Apparently, screaming and praying doesn't count as a 'plan'.
TFE Hotels opens New Zealand Country Office
A big deal has been done across the ditch. We hope you read that in a Kiwi accent.
Qatar Airways ushers in F1 themed onboard offerings
Qatar's doing its best to give you the full Drive to Survive experience at 30,000 feet.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon draws over 55,000 participants
Given our performance at the City to Surf this year, we're not going to be adding to the numbers at the next marathon.
Quantum of the Seas returns to Brisbane this summer packed full of family fun
It's all fun and games on Quantum... And food... And drink... And everything else your family is looking for!
Become a France expert with Atout France and win a dream weekend escape
Whether you are a fan of escargot, or prefer a pain au chocolate, this experience ticks all the boxes.
Accor takes out accommodation chain of the year for third consecutive year
That's a hatrick for Accor, something the Aussie cricket team will be hoping to avoid in the second match against India!
Existing investors pick up Hurtigruten for €500M
If we had a cool €500M laying around, a cruise line would be our investment of choice too.
Jetstar launches cyber Monday sale with Sydney to Byron from $35
If you're still sat at your desk and not on a flight to Byron, then what are you doing with your life?
The Aussie holiday hotspot where airline ticket fraud is 2.5x more likely
Double check that ticket before you click on the 'buy' button.
GALLERY: Travel industry gathers in Sydney for Moana 2 screening
We know this event certainly helped the mums and dads of the travel industry earn some brownie points.
G Adventures reveals 2025 ‘Where to Travel’ list
If you needed any inspo on where to travel in 2025, then this is the list for you!
Brand USA partners with Luxury Escapes, takes over Chadstone Store for Thanksgiving Event
Between Black Friday and all the Thanksgiving events, we're starting to feel very American.
Defying Convention to Deepen Connections: Booking.com’s 9 2025 travel predictions
Here at TW we appreciate this nod to the Wicked film. If you haven't seen it - run don't walk.
Collette’s Black Friday Deals Extended to 11th December!
Black Friday is no longer a day. It is an entire period.
nib Travel launches ‘Holiday Hustle’ agent incentive
'Tis the season to be rewarded. This is the type of Christmas gift we like.
Celestyal F1 Doha trip offers triple treat for travel advisors and destination managers
Seeing Piastri snatch third almost made us want to jump onboard again for the next race.
Celestyal Journey debut and F1 race mark busiest week in Qatar since 2022 World Cup
A feast of options for cruise, fight and motor racing fans. It's a hot destination - literally.
Turkish Airlines touches down at Sydney Airport
It's been years in the making, and unfortunately this planeload of travellers arrived on a rainy Sydney evening.
Qatar Airways has partnered with tennis star Novak Djokovic as wellness advisor
Is Novak the GOAT? It's up for debate, but his new deal with Qatar certainly isn't.
ACCC gives interim approval for Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to launch 28 new flights to Doha
After having its bid rejected last year, Qatar, it appears, has had the last laugh.
NSW Tourism Association announces 2024 Awards winners
The NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 at a gala event at the Star Sydney. The evening celebrated the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW, which are delivering world-class visitor experience that growing the NSW visitor economy. Winners were recognised with gold, silver, and bronze awards for their […]
Scoot announces Black Friday sale deals until 30 November
We hope you make rash decisions, because you've got a day-and-a-half to capitalise on this deal.
Tasting Australia announces Journey Beyond as its new presenting partner
Seems like enough of an excuse for a Friday afternoon bonding session at the Journey Beyond offices to us!
Tourism & Transport Forum survey finds 75% Aussies to travel this summer despite cost of living
Whether it's a few quiet nights or a smart yearly budget, there's not much keeping Aussies home over summer.
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!