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26 October, 2022

Domestic travel is here to stay, according to new research from AAT Kings

By Alexandra Coulton

Domestic travel is here to stay, it seems, with nearly half of Aussie travellers prioritising domestic travel post-COVID, according to new research from AAT Kings.

The domestic tour operator recently conducted consumer research across Australia and New Zealand to decipher the post-COVID traveller mindset and find out what is in store for domestic and international travel in 2023.

Through surveying 850 travellers, AAT Kings found that consumer sentiment matches the strong demand the industry has been seeing, with 57 per cent agreeing that the limited ability to travel during COVID has made them want to travel more, and 48 per cent said they will prioritise domestic or interstate travel post COVID.

Trans-Tasman travel is also on the rise, with 37 per cent of respondents planning a trip across the ditch, a figure which jumped to 51 per cent for those surveyed who also said they would consider a guided holiday.

In the 55+ age group, only 19 per cent said they would prioritise international travel (vs 27 per cent for those under 55), though

When it comes to new-year trends, 2023 is set to be another year of strong domestic travel, and an even bigger year for New Zealand. Among Aussies considering a guided holiday in the new year, 54 per cent are keen on a trip to New Zealand’ South Island – which is an increase of over 10 per cent compared to last year and 49 per cent are considering New Zealand’s North Island.

Of that same sample, 43 per cent would like to visit the Great Barrier Reef/Queensland, 40 per cent are considering South Australia and Adelaide (a 7 per cent increase compared to last year), over 40 per cent of respondents said they’re considering a trip to either the Top End or Red Centre and nearly 30 per cent said they’d like to visit Perth and WA.

“With a century-long history filled with adventure, pioneering characters, passionate storytellers, cultural connection and pushing boundaries to create remarkable experiences, AAT Kings is in a unique position to help guide the industry as we head towards the new year,” said Ben Hall, AAT Kings CEO.

“We are seeing strong trends towards NT, QLD and SA when it comes to Australian travel, with the domestic trend set to well and truly maintain popularity into 2023.

“Travellers are also set to get reacquainted with New Zealand with this magnificent country now reopened to all.”

The recent findings have heavily advised AAT Kings’ recently announced 2023/2024 season, with four new tours including:

The 8-Day South Australian Outback Adventure which takes in the Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy and stunning geological wonders like the Lyndhurst Ochre cliffs and Painted Hills at Anna Creek
The 7-day South Australian Eyre Peninsula Escape. With Streaky Bay and the famous coffin bay oysters, plus answer to WA’s wave rock (Pildappa rock) and the town of Kimba
The 5-day Remarkable Adelaide to Kangaroo Island tour is food, wine and nature all in one. Explore Kangaroo Island’s rugged coastline, and take in all the highlights from nature to cider, wineries and honey – At Island Beehive, samples of honey (and ice cream) are given to our guests – honey made using Ligurian bees
The 4-day Outback Explorer includes a visit to the Clare Valley and Coober Pedy plus the remarkable salt flats of Lake Hart – it’s all lunar landscapes at the surface, and psychedelic colours underground.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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