Rethink Needed To Boost Local Tourism
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday December 10, 2008
AUSTRALIAN families would be more likely to take holidays here than overseas if all-inclusive packages were offered, booking a trip was easier and accommodation cheaper, according to a study examining the long-term decline of domestic tourism.
The study by the researcher TNS into why Australians are "losing the habit of travel" found younger people were more drawn to iPods and PlayStations than exploring their country. The director of TNS, Carolyn Childs, said pressures on family finances were unlikely to ease but tourism operators were failing to cater for families on a budget. The study will not ease industry fears. Figures out today will show that even before the financial crisis hit in earnest, there was a dramatic fall in holidaymakers coming to Australia.Ms Childs said the $58 billion domestic tourism industry risked losing "share of wallet" to overseas holidays, which were seen as better value and more exciting. "Finding the time to take a holiday is getting harder. The perception is that it takes a long time to book a holiday in Australia. Sometimes it's easier just to go for a home entertainment system," she said. At least then people knew the final cost. "Some of our competitors are very good at putting together packages like Fiji where everything's included."
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald
