Keeping it local with low cost options

Industry professionals are marketing local travel to Australians this holiday season. Here’s why.

With the Mount Agung volcano causing a cloud to hang over Bali getaways, many travellers are looking closer to home and capitalising on an incredible staycation.

Australian Hotels Association (WA) CEO Bradley Woods said with hotel prices the lowest they have been in years, those who were intending to head interstate or overseas should take advantage of the significant discounts available in their own state.

“Many families instinctively head overseas during the holiday season, often in the mistaken belief that it is cheaper to travel abroad,” Mr Woods said.

“Following the slowdown in the mining industry, hotel prices in Perth and regional areas have fallen substantially, making holidaying in WA far more affordable for individuals, couples and families.”

“All of the attributes that make WA an appealing destination for international guests make it an appealing destination for local Western Australians – we offer a safe, clean, exciting and unique holiday with limitless options.”

Perth hotels are currently offering cheap accommodation options, whether they be affordable 3 star hotels or motels right up to luxurious 5 star properties. Regional properties are also heavily discounted.

Coupled with the uncertainly associated with Mount Agung, travellers to Bali increasingly report that the island is no longer a cheap option for visitors, with food and beverage prices increasing markedly in recent years.

Bradley Woods said that two misconceptions held by travellers need to be dispelled when Western Australians plan their holidays.

“Bali is not as cheap as some might think, particularly when you factor in flights, taxis, passport fees, airport parking and taxes,” Mr Woods said.

“Similarly, hotels in WA are not charging anywhere near the prices that were seen in the heady days of the mining boom – some of the deals that are around at the moment are incredible, though we do know that they will not last.”

“Whether it is a trip to the amazing Ningaloo Reef, a weekend getaway to South West wineries, a retreat in one of Perth’s five star hotels or a three course feast at any of WA’s new restaurants, locals should seriously consider the benefits of a staycation this summer.”

No matter what state a hotel is in, marketers and managers are encouraged to consider the benefits of marketing to locals. It might just pay off.