Domestic tourism takes a hit
Understanding why people do not take holidays could be used to stimulate Australia’s domestic tourism, it has been claimed.
Tourism Australia managing director Scott Morrison said the information could be used to reverse the current decline and unlock some of the sector’s potential.
The call came as reports suggest that stagnant growth in domestic tourism is likely to be compounded by rising fuel costs and the latest interest rate rise.
A survey by Tourism Australia has found Australians have stockpiled 70 million days of annual leave, and work pressure meant it was increasingly difficult to take a holiday.
With housing and fuel prices having risen rapidly since the start of the year many industry figures believe Australians are less inclined to spend on holidays at home.
According to a recent survey, Australians were increasingly staying home, spending on mortgages, the latest technology and home improvements rather than on holidays.
Tourism and Transport Forum managing director Christopher Brown said that “when discretionary spending is at stake, holidays are often the first thing to go.”
That fact has also been recognised by the Federal Government.
Upon announcing tourism spending in last week’s budget, Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey issued a release in which she asked Australians “Rather than a second TV, why not spoil the kids and have a great camping holiday in one of our fantastic national parks?”
Ms Bailey has called on state governments to “cough up more cash for domestic tourism promotion.”
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