Local language key to top travel
According to AAP many travellers think knowing the local language of their destinations gives their holiday a boost, but this doesn’t motivate them to learn one.
More than three quarters of Australian holiday makers say being equipped with the local tongue is key, but only 64 per cent have bothered to learn, a recent survey has revealed.
Of the 8,615 people involved in the online poll conducted by expedia.com.au, 87 per cent said that learning a second language in school should be made compulsory.
Of the European languages, those polled said they were most enthusiastic to learn French (37 per cent), Italy attracted 29 per cent, and Spanish almost a quarter.
Chief of Expedia Asia Pacific Arthur Hoffman said breaking the language barrier allowed people to have a deeper cultural experience.
“People look forward to experiencing the best of local foods, music, theatre and destinations when abroad,” Hoffman says.
“Being able to speak the local language means these experiences are much easier to enjoy.”
Hoffman says Australians are on the right track by picking French as their most desirable language.
“French is actually an ideal second language for Australians travelling abroad,” he said.
“Apart from French being useful in Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Vietnam and Africa, there are also a number of French-speaking destinations closer to home, such as the South Pacific islands of Tahiti and New Caledonia.”
“These islands, which are within a few hours travel time from Australia, make for exotic mini-break destinations or a family holiday.”
Australians also confirmed what we already knew – French is the most romantic language, with 61 per cent vouching for the notion.
Italian picked up a distant second place with 28 per cent.
Meanwhile, Australians said they thought that German would be the trickiest to learn.
Hoffman also says that having a second language could boost career opportunities and said it is associated with being well educated.
“Given that interest in international travel is greater than ever, and the sense of living in a global village grows stronger, the number of bilingual Australians is sure to increase,” he says.
A Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent