Australia Continues To Top List of Kiwis’ Favourite Destinations

Economic Climate Had No Effect on Travel Habits

Auckland, 7 December 2010 – Australia, Fiji, Thailand and Singapore have been voted by New Zealanders as their top future holiday destinations in Asia Pacific, according to a Travel Intentions 2010 survey commissioned by Visa.

The survey, undertaken by The Neilson Company, found Asia Pacific was by far the favoured region for travel by New Zealanders with 80 per cent planning to visit within the next two years. This was followed by North America/UK (23 per cent) and Western Europe (17 per cent). Many respondents expected to visit more than one destination.

Within the Asia Pacific region, Australia topped the list with 59 per cent of New Zealand respondents saying it was the place they were most likely to visit on their next overseas trip and 76 per cent having visited Australia within the past two years.

Sean Preston, Country Manager Visa New Zealand, says the primary reasons for Kiwis travelling to Australia included visiting friends and family members living there, accessibility, affordability, great shopping and lots of activities.

“The next favourite destinations after Australia are Fiji, with six per cent planning to visit in the next two years and Singapore/Thailand with five per cent.

“Japan and Australia were found to be the favourite destinations of all travellers surveyed within the Asia Pacific region, however although growing in popularity, Japan doesn’t feature in the top destinations considered by Kiwis. This is likely to be due to the length of flight and cost.
“Another interesting finding from the New Zealand respondents was that only 4 per cent plan to visit South America in next two years. This is surprising because of the increase in number of direct flights and deals available to South America in recent years,” he says.

Mr Preston says the survey found that economic uncertainties over the past year hadn’t affected travel plans for Kiwis who were travelling the same amount as they did two years ago and are expecting to travel the same amount over the next two years.

He said most planned to take up to two international holidays within the next year.

Other key findings include:

• Affordability of travel (including promotions and deals) is the most important aspect when selecting a holiday destination. In addition, Kiwis are attracted to exploring new places, sunshine/beaches and weather/seasonal changes

• While traveling with spouse/partners is common particularly the older travellers (aged 25+) and married ones, females and younger travellers tend to travel with family/relatives

• New Zealand travellers take an average of five months to plan their overseas trips. Singles tend to require less lead time compared to the married ones.

• Most (7 in 10) use internet as their main source of information, especially those aged 25 years and above and married ones

o Airline booking sites and travel guides by search engines are used by most as the main source for travel information

o New Zealand travellers like online sources because it is accessible and they can search for best travel deals.

• New Zealand travellers spend most on airfare, accommodation and food

• Credit cards and currency brought from home are the common modes of payment. Male, 25+ and married travellers are more likely to use credit card. About 20 per cent withdrew cash at overseas ATMs.

ENDS

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