Wotif announces 2022 Aussie Town of The Year Awards as 10.9 million Aussies shape their 2022 holiday-at-home plans

Launceston

• Launceston claims top spot in the 2022 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards, marking Tasmania’s first win in the Awards’ five-year history
• 88% of Aussies planning to travel in 2022 (10.9m) want to explore Australia*

Today, leading travel site Wotif.com has announced the winners of the 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Awards with Launceston taking home the travel crown, marking Tasmania’s inaugural win as travel demand for the island state soars1.

The awards, now in their fifth year, are determined by a Wotif data index** that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction. Recognising the country’s top destinations for 2022, the awards aim to highlight the best of Australia’s diverse destinations, to encourage Aussies to make the most of the year ahead and explore their own backyard.

The awards come as the tourism industry is hopeful for a travel revival. New Wotif research reveals that 71% of Aussies who plan to travel in Australia intend on travelling interstate, and almost a third (31%) say even with international travel reopening they plan to stay within Australia*. As state border restrictions ease, it’s clear Aussies are making up for lost time and reclaiming their freedom to travel, with the research confirming over half (53%) of Aussies have not travelled interstate since the start of the pandemic*.

Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch says: “2022 is set to be a pivotal year for domestic tourism. While many Aussies have travelled over the last 24 months, few have had the chance to really explore and travel across state borders. It’s incredibly promising to see that 88% of Aussies planning to travel this year are looking to stay within Australia* and our hope is that these awards inspire Aussies to try something new and get back to exploring this beautiful country.”

While Tasmania claimed the top spot, there was representation from six states in the top ten. Victoria was the most decorated state, with three destinations making the final list: Yarra Valley, Bright and Halls Gap. Two Queensland destinations, Caloundra and Hervey Bay also made the list, as the state continues its lead in 2022 as the most sought-after Australian state2.

Reasons than one makes Launceston number one
As Launceston claims this year’s top spot, research commissioned by Wotif indicates 21% of Aussies say their desire to travel to Tasmania has grown in the last 12+ months*, led by NSW and VIC travellers*. Whether it’s fresh air, delicious food or relaxation that you’re after, Tasmania is what so many people have been looking for over the last two years.

Daniel Finch continued: “Launceston’s fresh produce, renown sparkling wine and commitment to great food is world-famous and with some of Tasmania’s most spectacular natural landmarks just a short drive away, including the Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and the Bay of Fire, it’s no surprise that demand for the city has grown by over 125% on Wotif.com3. Offering great affordability, with an average daily accommodation rate of $160 in 20214, several new hotels in the city and endless experiences on offer, a trip to Launceston is every bit worth the hype.”

Chris Griffin, CEO of Visit Northern Tasmania, says: “We’ve always known Launceston is one of the best places in the world. We are so delighted to once again host visitors from the mainland as they return to Tasmania, and we can’t wait to welcome more throughout 2022. Our promise is that you will grow here – whether that’s through close encounters with our nature and wildlife, reconnecting with loved ones while travelling, indulging in our fresh seasonal produce, or getting outside your comfort zone on an adventure, you will change for the better when you visit us.”

The year for exploring as Aussies reclaim their freedom to travel
With a quarter of Aussies (24%) planning to visit somewhere new within Australia in 2022, the appetite for domestic exploration is high. When comparing travel in Australia to overseas, the chance to get out into nature is the biggest motivation (46%) – a significant draw for all of this year's winning destinations*.

Australia has so much to offer, and for the 45% of Aussies* dreaming of their next domestic adventure, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards serves as a great source of inspiration.

To read more and see the latest travel deals from this year’s winning destinations, head to www.wotif.com/aussietownoftheyear.

*Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1010 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20 – 24 January 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).

**Wotif 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Award index includes:

• Affordability: Based on the average daily rate for 3-5 star-rated and self-rated accommodation demand on Wotif.com from January 2021 to September 2021
• Accommodation: Based on accommodation quality, quantity and deals on Wotif.com in 2021
• Reviews: Based on the average traveller review rating on Wotif.com for each destination in 2021
• Leisure appeal: Based on destinations where the average length of stay has increased over 2021

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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