And another 13% haven’t yet
decided if they’re going away so will be hoping they can make some last-minute
bookings, according to the latest “AA Mood of the New Zealand Traveller”
released by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) and conducted by
Colmar Brunton.
Auckland looks to be the most
popular destination but traditional summer holiday spots like Lake Taupo,
Tauranga/Mount Maunganui, and Coromandel can also expect to see an influx of
visitors.
In the South Island,
Christchurch, Queenstown and Nelson top the popularity poll.
AA Tourism GM Marketing
Rebecca Cherry says that while 38% of Kiwis are planning to stay at home, those
who are heading away expect to stay away longer than last year.
“Survey respondents told us
they expected to be away 7.9 nights, up from 7.4 nights in each of the last two
Christmas-New Year periods. That increase may also partly explain why 21% of
New Zealanders expect to spend more on their trips this year, compared to last
year,” she says.
Colmar Brunton spokeswoman
Ellen Parkhouse says family still comes first at this time of year, with just
over 70% of those travelling expecting to holiday with relatives. 40% of us
will be heading away with our partner and 23% will be spending their holidays
with friends.
TIA Chief Executive Martin
Snedden says most of those heading away on holiday will stay in a private home,
bach or crib (70%). Motels and holiday parks each attract 16% of holidaymakers.
“However, the results show
that 62% of those who need to book accommodation haven’t yet done so. While
short booking patterns are a growing trend being noticed by tourism operators,
people need to realise they may miss out on their preferred options if they
leave it too late,” he says.
Other findings in the December
“AA Mood of the New Zealand Traveller”:
Wellington continues to be the
destination New Zealanders would most like to visit in the next six months,
followed by Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Nelson.
Online methods are New
Zealanders’ favourite way to find and book accommodation. 61% like to book
online via a third party website or book directly with the accommodation
provider for their New Zealand holidays.
69% would like to travel around
New Zealand more in the next six months than they are currently planning to.
Finances and work commitments are the main barriers to more travel.
Australia is New Zealanders’
favourite destination for an overseas holiday in the next six months.
To read the latest AA Mood of
the New Zealand Traveller, please visit www.tianz.org.nz/main/mood-of-the-traveller
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