Japan offers best value for Aussie travellers

Japan offers best value for Aussie travellers
By admin


Japan is the destination offering Australians the best value for money for the second year in a row with a growing number of travellers taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate, according to Expedia.

The 2014 Expedia Foreign Exchange Index showed that, despite a recent weakening of the Australian dollar which has seen it fall to a three and a half year low against the US dollar, its value increased by 2.3% against the Japanese Yen.

The website also revealed that interest in Okinawa and Hokkaido had grown by 50% in 2013 demonstrating rising interest in the destination that was once considered expensive. Japan National Tourism Organisation reinforced the reports of rising interest levels, with 2013 a record year for Australian arrivals as numbers climbed 18.5% on the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Index showed that the Aussie dollar fell against the currencies of 13 of the top 15 destinations for Australian travellers. It declined 15% against the US dollar and 17% against the British pound.

But Expedia Australia and New Zealand managing director Georg Ruebensal stressed that the decline is not deterring Aussies for travelling overseas.

“However, Aussies need to be smart as their purchasing power is impacted,” he said.

“There are still plenty of places both close to home and further afield that provide great value. While it’s great to see Japan is still offering the best value for money, it’s exciting to see other destinations like Indonesia, Brazil and Canada becoming more affordable.”

He advised travellers to keep a “close eye” on exchange rates, search for deals and be flexible with dates.

Check out Expedia's list of the top destinations based on the purchasing power of the Australian dollar against other major currencies in 2013:

Rank

Country

Local currency

AUD percentage gain YOY

1

Japan

Yen

2.3%

2

Indonesia

Rupiah

7.0%

3

Brazil

Real

-2.0%

4

Canada

Dollar

-8.5%

5

Thailand

Baht

-8.6%

6

New Zealand

Dollar

-13.9%

7

Vietnam

Dong

-14.1%

8

Singapore

Dollar

-12.2%

9

United Arab Emirates

Dirham

-15.1%

 

10

USA

Dollar

-15.1%

11

Europe

Euro

-18.6%

12

UK

Pound

-16.7%

13

China

Renminbi

-16.7%

14

Hong Kong

Dollar

-15.1%

15

Malaysia

Ringgit

-28.1%

 

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]