Global hotel group Accor says the continuing weakness in the Australian dollar has had a notable effect on Australians’ travel plans, with more choosing to take domestic holidays.
"We had been expecting an improvement in inbound but to be honest the biggest benefit is the domestic market," said Accor Asia Pacific chairman Michael Issenberg.
"What we are finding is particularly an upsurge in domestic vacations. It has obviously gotten a lot more expensive to go overseas for a holiday, particularly to places like the US."
Issenberg also said outbound travel to Asian destinations such as Thailand is falling as many Asia nations’ currency is pegged to the US dollar.
Traditional tourist hotspot Bali has declined while resorts in tropical northern Queensland have seen a surge in guests.
Accor has recently trialled a new pre-paid package in hotels on the Sunshine Coast, offering soft drinks free all day plus a limited time alcoholic beverage plan for $20.
A similar package is available for children offering complimentary kids’ meals and activities.
Accor plans to launch the package at 100 resorts across Asia Pacific.
"When you go on holidays a lot of times you budget for your accommodation and airfare and sometimes it can be quite expensive for your food and beverage," Issenberg added.
