Eco-tourism causes hotel price hike for Aussie adventure destinations

Eco-tourism causes hotel price hike for Aussie adventure destinations

Hotels.com’s latest Hotel Price Index (HPI) has revealed that tourist hubs close to natural wonders and outdoor experiences are getting a bit exxy, experiencing the steepest price spikes in 2017, as eco-tourism gains traction in Australia.

According to the HPI, Exmouth – the Range to Reef eco-adventure capital of Western Australia – showed the highest percentage price rise of the top 50 destinations analysed for international travellers.

And with sights like this, can you blame them?

Cape Range Mesa Camp Beach

Prices paid in Exmouth rose by 12 per cent to $213 per night in 2017, as travellers flocked to the area to experience the iconic Cape Range National Park, and Ningaloo Marine Park, famous for the whale sharks found close to the coast.

Other gateways to natural wonders, Townsville and Kangaroo Island, also recorded steep rises in accommodation prices, increasing 11 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.

The steep increase in prices paid in Townsville last year follows a 13 per cent fall in 2016, demonstrating growth in the region and the strength of reef tourism.

Meanwhile, the Whitsunday Islands recorded the steepest decline in accommodation prices, falling 14 per cent in 2017 after bearing the brunt of Cyclone Debbie.

Mind you, it still looks pretty bloody good to us.

hill-inlet-52927

Intense recovery operations and community involvement worked wonders, however, with the islands holding on to their top ten position, and their premium pricing at $222 per night.

Sydney remained the number one ranked destination for international travellers, with average prices paid up 4 per cent in 2017 ($232), and a whopping 13 per cent increase from 2014, no doubt linked to the investment interest in Sydney’s hotel market and the $1 billion worth of planned new hotels in the CBD.

The HPI reported Yulara ($360), the gateway to Uluru, as the most expensive destination of the top 50 analysed – with a 15% lift since 2015 – following heavy promotion of the Northern Territory’s Field of Light exhibition.

austrav

Of the top 50 destinations analysed, places in Queensland and the Northern Territory dominated for bargains.

Townsville ($124) took out the top spot for most affordable night stay for international travellers, while Alice Springs ($125), Mackay ($126) and Darwin ($132) also provided great deals for visitors.

The influx of Chinese travellers were of particular note as they became the largest source of international travellers for Australia in 2017 after years of New Zealand holding the top spot.

Check out this list of Australia’s top ten destinations among the top 50 analysed where international travellers paid the most for a hotel room in 2017.

hotels data

You can see the full results of the HPI here.

Latest News

  • Cruise

Princess Cruises unveils Sanctuary Collection, Star Princess to sail Alaska in 2026

From the sunny port of Barcelona, the Sun Princess welcomed worldwide media aboard for an update on what’s new and what’s next for Princess Cruises today, 23 April. The setting also doubled as the official naming ceremony for Princess’ first sphere class ship which was live streamed around the ship for all guests to enjoy. […]

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • 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 […]