A drop in the Australian dollar is driving Australians to explore more of their own backyard as they become savvier with how they spend their money.
The weakening Australian dollar has not deterred Australians from travelling as they are turning to domestic travel as the solution for an opportunity to still get away. According to a survey by industry group Tourism & Transport Forum, five percent of travellers had already switched from an international to a domestic destination because of the currency’s fall, and 15 percent are expected to travel more domestically in the future.
Further bolstering these figures, Tourism Research Australia figures show domestic overnight tourism has increased seven percent with spend increasing by 10 percent to $70.3B.
The diversity of Australia’s landscape allows Australian’s to take a domestic trip that feels like an overseas getaway without the need for a passport.
Meanwhile, it is not just Australian’s travelling more around the country. International tourism into Australia is expected to rise further in 2019 after a six percent increase last year.
With tours and product on offer throughout Australia, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys Managing Director Hans Belle said, “in 2019 we expect to see a lot of Australian’s finally taking the time to book the trip they’ve always wanted to go on but have been putting off until later.”
“Australian’s will take advantage of the bucket list destinations in our own backyard, discovering the magic of Uluru, hiking to the top of Kings Canyon, taking a river cruise through Katherine Gorge or exploring the wonders of the Bungle Bungles,” Hans Belle added.
