New data from the University of Queensland shows that only 51 percent of Australians plan to travel abroad because international borders are open.
New Zealand and Europe are the most popular travel destinations, according to an online survey of 560 Australians Associate Professor Gabby Walters In the UQ Business School.
“This shows that the opening of the international borders for the first time in 18 months may only react cautiously,” said Dr. Walters.
The results also showed that 33 percent of Australians would prefer to travel domestically, while 16 percent said they would not travel at all.
Dr. Walters conducted a similar survey 18 months ago to compare how Australians felt about domestic travel then and now.
“Compared to the April 2020 survey, people’s sentiment toward COVID-19 has changed,” she said.
“People used to feel insecure and uncomfortable about the virus and that makes sense because in April last year nobody knew what to expect.
“This latest survey shows that while uncertainty still ranks second, the most common feelings are limitation and frustration, even though people report that they are a little more afraid and worried about the virus than they were 18 months ago.”
Walters said while destination preferences within Australia have remained largely the same since April 2020, the desire to travel to cities has increased from 17 percent to 25 percent.
“However, coastal destinations are still preferred by 44 percent of Australians and regional destinations by 31 percent,” she said.
“Queensland is still considered the safest vacation spot, closely followed by Western Australia and Tasmania.
“Queensland has low case numbers, great coastal locations and sunshine, while New South Wales and Victoria have been the focus of negative COVID-19 advertisements.
“When planning a trip, more emphasis is now placed on vaccination status, COVID-19 numbers and hygiene standards.”
In a separate study with 1,050 Australians, Dr. Walters and his colleagues, Associate Professor Sarah Kelly, Dr. Thomas Magor and Dr. Ann Wallin, The Behaviors and Preferences of Travelers Considering Cruise Travel.
After a COVID outbreak on the Ruby Princess that resulted in more than 600 infections and 28 deaths, international cruise lines have been banned from entering Australia since March 2020.
“Travelers are looking for smaller ships and less occupancy, as well as better health and medical facilities on board,” said Dr. Walters.
“We have also seen a market shift – older generations are now less likely to drive than they used to be a major market for cruise lines compared to younger generations,” she said.
Top left picture: Associate Professor Gabby Walters.
Media: Associate Professor Gabby Walters, g.walters@uq.edu.au, + 61 7 334 60593, +61 402 085 497; BEL Faculty Communication, communications@bel.uq.edu.au +61 7 3443 1321.
