An AAP report says that Tourism Australia’s latest National Visitor Survey (NVS) shows the number of Australians making domestic trips for holiday purposes has outpaced the number of Australians travelling to visit friends and relatives for the first time since 2002.
The boost in domestic travel, which has lagged over the past few years, has thrilled industry experts who say low-cost flights have changed the way Australians think about travel.
“Australians are rediscovering the unique appeal of the classic Australian holiday, staying longer and spending more in regional areas,” Tourism and Transport Forum managing director Christopher Brown said.
“People travelling to visit friends and relatives tend to make shorter trips and the growth of low-cost carriers has enabled them to do so, as well as revolutionising the weekend getaway in Australia.
“But the evidence of the latest NVS is that the tourism industry is now achieving a healthy balance between the two.”
According to Tourism Australia, the number of air flights increased by seven per cent to 1.1 million in 2006/07.
Domestic tourism overall also increased by a healthy seven per cent during the same period, giving the economy a $A57 billion ($US47.68 billion) boost.
Tourist expenditure also grew, with spending by domestic visitors to the north Coast of New South Wales jumping 20 per cent.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Perth also recorded significant growth in spending.
Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey acknowledged the role cheap airfares played in the domestic travel industry, and said marketing initiatives such as travel show Getaway’s Hidden Wonders Down Under special would push figures up even higher.
“Whether exploring our national parks, soaking up our coastal lifestyle or discovering new delights in our food and wine regions, more Australians are enjoying a holiday in their own backyard,” Ms Bailey said.
Report by The Mole
