Australians are keen to travel close to home when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, with new national data revealing positive signs for the domestic tourism industry.
Key points
- More than 50 per cent of Australians want to travel domestically when restrictions lift
- The number one motivator cited for travelling is the need to support Australian tourism
- Popular destinations include coastal, country and regional areas – with cities being the least appealing
- 50 per cent said they will drive to their destination, rather than fly or take public transport
- Future travellers will be more aware of hygiene standards
University of Queensland Business School researcher Associate Professor Gabby Walters said more than half those surveyed wanted to travel, and many had already started researching their next holiday.
“They’re searching for accommodation options and destination-related information that includes attractions and local restaurants and cafes, so they are ready to take their next trip once they’re able to do so,” she said.
“Australia’s tourism industry has been heavily impacted, and the number one motivator for future travel was to support the economy and tourism sector.
“This news that many Aussies are looking to travel locally as soon as they can is great for tourism operators, sector workers and the industry as a whole.”
Dr Walters said the tourism industry also needed to be aware that the pandemic had changed tourists’ travel behaviours and this will mean that tourism may look slightly different once the restrictions are lifted.
