AUSTRALIANS FEEL THE HEAT ON COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES THIS SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON

Hip-pocket pain is forcing more than half of Australians to rethink their summer travel plans, with some delaying or ditching their holiday altogether, according to a new survey released today, commissioned by Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia.

58% of Australians surveyed say recent interest rate rises and cost-of-living pressures have affected their summer holiday plans, and a further 11% are still undecided on the potential impact.

The national survey of 1,500 people, conducted by polling company Pure Profile, also reveals:

KEY STATS

• For those impacted by cost-of-living pressures, 38% have decided not to go on holiday this summer and 23% will delay their trip until later next year.

• To keep costs down, 28% have decided to shorten the length of their stay, 22% will do local activities, 21.5% will choose cheaper accommodation, 17% will holiday within their own state, 12% will stay with family or friends and 7% will choose self-catering accommodation.

• For Australians who are still going on holiday, 71% of those surveyed plan to be away for one week or less and 87% plan to be away for two weeks or less.

• 84% plan to spend under $5000, including 24% who plan to spend under $1000.

• In the lead-up to Christmas and Boxing Day sales, 31% of Australians surveyed are planning to spend less than last year, while 48% plan to spend about the same amount as last year.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said the tourism, transport and aviation sectors remain hopeful of a bumper summer holiday period.

“There’s no denying recent interest rate rises, combined with higher grocery, electricity and petrol bills, are putting more pressure on household finances but there’s still a strong appetite to travel,” Ms Osmond said.

“This will be the first Australian summer without restrictions since the pandemic and I’m confident we’ll see more international tourists return to Australia than have visited earlier this year, to help our industries recover.”

“I’m also pleased to see more Australians choosing to holiday at home than overseas, and increasingly within their own state. They’re not only becoming more appreciative of the hidden gems in their own backyard but also saving money on airfares and other expenses.”