Booking hotels and tickets well in advance has long defined Australian travellers but as household budgets come under stress, last-minute trips and spontaneity are becoming more popular.
Amid high prices for groceries, housing and other essentials, Tourism & Transport Forum chief executive officer Margy Osmond has been observing a shift in holidaying habits.
People are still travelling, she says, but are cutting costs by taking shorter trips, staying closer to home, and dining in cheaper restaurants.Booking hotels and tickets well in advance has long defined Australian travellers but as household budgets come under stress, last-minute trips and spontaneity are becoming more popular.
A drift towards last-minute and spontaneous bookings was another product of financial pressure, Ms Osmond says, particularly for young people.
More likely to be earning less than older generations and often in casual or gig- jobs – so less certain of their work schedules – young people are particularly prone to booking on a whim.
Surveying by the tourism forum found 60 per cent of young people travelling over the holiday period expected to spend less than they normally would.
Ms Osmond says the tug towards spontaneity was putting pressure on tourism operators.
“The unpredictability around it and the booking at the last minute does make it difficult to provision, to make sure you have sufficient staff and all sorts of things,” she said.
Other trends have been working to the advantage of local operators, including the shift towards stay-cations.
So, what did you do over the holidays?
Did you plan ahead? Plan last minute? Go somewhere or stay home?
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.