Patriotic travel A huge help
AUSSIES are desperate for a break after a dud year — and they are aiming for new, different experiences in Australia itself.
With confidence and interest in domestic travel rapidly rising as summer approaches, taking some form of vacation will not only be a vital act of self-care — it will turn ordinary Australians into holiday heroes, pumping cash into our battered economy and saving the jobs of more than one million tourism industry workers.
A report by Tourism Research Australia says last year Australians spent more than $32 billion overseas as tourists. If those people directed their spending here, it concludes, even allowing for the absence of international visitors “there is potential for a domestic-led recovery”.
That message coincides with an exclusive Humaniti survey for News Corp Australia that shows renewed enthusiasm for holidays — with a definite post-COVID twist emphasising day trips, weekends away and road trips.
Fifty per cent said coronavirus has encouraged them to explore new parts of Australia instead of going overseas, while 48 per cent said the current situation has made them think about supporting Australian tourism and business.
A small but significant 12 per cent said it has made them more adventurous in their choices.
After a year that began with bushfires then moved to coronavirus, 41 per cent recognise they need a break for their emotional health with 29 per cent “desperate” for a holiday.
Only 18 per cent of those surveyed said they would not take a break over the summer. And of those planning travel, more than twice as many people are choosing “new and different” destinations over tried and tested.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said there was an “enormous opportunity” to harness the potential of Australians holidaying at home, which would help the 666,000 people directly employed in tourism and 370,000 people who provide goods and services to the industry.
“For those who can afford to do so, we want them to get out and support the jobs and small businesses of their fellow Australians by having
whatever Aussie holiday they can,” he said.
“With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future, I hope more Australians will discover the joys of holidaying here, potentially injecting billions back into our struggling industry.
“Instead of the beaches of Bali, it could be the beaches of Byron Bay, or instead of wine tasting in Bordeaux, it could be wine tasting in the Barossa.”
Economist Shane Oliver, from AMP Capital, said consumers initially spent money from cancelled international travel booking in shops, with retail sales up 6.9 per cent on a year ago, but were starting to direct more to domestic tourism.
“If you want to do your bit for your country, and have built up some savings, the best way to help is to spend that money you would have spent overseas on Australian tourism,” Dr Oliver said.
“A lot of people are suffering cabin fever and want to get out — obviously it has to be done on a safe basis.”
Tourist authorities take into account the fact that Australians spend less than international visitors when travelling domestically and don’t stay as long. However, Tourism Research Australia estimates about $12 billion could make its way back to the economy if Australians travel locally.
Demographer Bernard Salt said the traditional Aussie urge to travel has not been diminished by COVID-19, rather it has been “very much frustrated”. Mr Salt said making a choice to spend money on domestic tourism was part of a “growing patriotic merit in supporting Australian businesses”.
“By spending on tourism you are pumping up tens of thousands of businesses,” he added.
Tourism Australia predicts a domestic-led recovery which begins with local cafe visits and restaurants, day trips, intrastate road trips and weekend breaks then interstate travel as borders reopen.
That is reflected in the Humaniti survey, which revealed a weighty 86 per cent of Australians feel very or quite confident about travelling within their state as restrictions loosen (48 per cent very confident, 38 per cent quite confident).
Fifty-eight per cent feel very or quite confident about travelling interstate as restrictions ease (20 per cent very, 38 per cent quite); but when it came to international travel, just 24 per cent show any level of confidence, with the rest not confident.
CASE STUDY
THE Micallef family can’t wait to go on a road trip for the October long weekend now NSW has COVID-19 under control.
Kate and Jai Micallef and their two children Layla, 7, and Riley, 3, plan to head to Lake Conjola.
“It’s really needed. It’s not your normal everyday life at the moment and we’ve been so secluded at home,” said Ms Micallef, who is a secretary for the family’s plumbing business. “There’s so many nice places to go on day trips. And it’s super-convenient.”
Due to travelling restrictions, the family have been planning future trips to other destinations in Australia rather than overseas.
“When the borders start to reopen we’d love to take the kids to the Barrier Reef,” Ms Micallef said. “We’re also thinking of Port Douglas and the Northern Territory.”