Australians are among highest global spenders and will increase spending next year, new research claims
Travel plays a huge role in the Australian lifestyle and growing popularity as a global destination, according to a 2015 Global Travel Intentions Study launched by payment tech company Visa in partnership with the Tourism and Transport Forum.
The survey shows the majority of Australians travel for leisure (76%) as opposed to business, with Australians also travelling for education (14%), more frequently than travellers from other countries (6%). Australia’s geographic location and preference for long haul trips shape travellers’ habits, with Australians spending an average of 16 nights away compared to the global average of nine nights. This extra time gives Australians a chance to visit more than one place in the same trip. More than a quarter of Australians (28%) travelled to multiple destinations in a single holiday, while only 12% of global travellers have done so.
Top destinations in the past two years include the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Hong Kong and France.
Their commitment to travel is reflected in Australians’ willingness to spend, with a median of US$3,603 per trip. This is the fifth highest spend in the world, after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China and Brazil and exceeds the global median of US$2,281. Australians also plan to increase their travel spend next year, to a median of US$4,501.
In terms of budgeting approach, Australians share a similar outlook as travellers in other countries and are likely to plan with a budget in mind. However a vast majority of Australian travellers (68%) are also willing to splurge for the best experience during their trip.
“Australians seek out meaningful experiences when they travel overseas,” said Caroline Dempsey, Visa Head of Marketing for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. “They see spending on travel as a worthwhile investment and our study shows they intend to up their budget for future trips.”
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