Where are Aussie travellers heading to next?
As the globetrotting habits of Australian travellers continue to evolve – from venturing to far-flung destinations such as Rwanda or Costa Rica, to visiting destinations based on how Instagram-friendly they appear – keeping up with them is no easy feat.
Luxury travel advisors the Goldman Group has affirmed that the Aussie traveller is seeking unconventional destinations, in lesser-known and remote parts of the world.
According to the group, the Caribbean has become popular in recent months, with increasing numbers jetting to Cuba and Costa Rica, thanks largely to the new US stopover cities of Houston and Dallas.
Qantas now flies direct to Dallas and United Airlines flies direct to Houston from Sydney, both in under 16 hours, making Caribbean destinations much more accessible to Australian travellers.
As the Caribbean island continues to court tourists, Cuba is expected to welcome a record high of five million visitors in 2019 alone.
Venturing further south, and boasting a coastline on both the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, the Goldman Group believes Costa Rica is the ultimate nature-based holiday, with a backdrop of rugged rainforests, diverse wildlife, beaches, hot springs and volcanos to discover.
Adventure trips to pristine destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, and Antarctica are also trending for the Goldman Group, with active experiences high on the bucket list of Australian travellers.
A multitude of cruise lines have made it more accessible than ever to get to these previously remote areas of the globe, which the group says is contributing to the surge in popularity.
The desire for authenticity and cultural interactions is also driving Aussie travellers to places such as Morocco, a popular European destination over the warmer months, according to the Goldman Group.
Travelling in pursuit of memories and experiences, the group says Aussie travellers are increasingly heading to the landlocked East African country of Rwanda.
Known as “the land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity and incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, rainforests and sweeping plains.
The extraordinarily beautiful country is home to more than one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and remains one of the best places in the world to see both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Anthony Goldman, managing director at the Goldman Group, says social media and the rise of the selfie has made a significant impact on the way Aussies travel.
“The Goldman Group Australian Luxury Traveller 2019 Report revealed that more than one third of Aussie travellers enjoy posting about their holidays online, and get holiday inspiration from social media feeds,” he says.
“Notably, it’s Instagram fuelling the travel appetites of Australians, and with the hashtag #holiday obtaining 124 million mentions on Instagram alone – you can see why.
“Many of our client’s message us directly on Instagram and ask to book hotels featured in our posts, or ask about the destinations visited by our travel advisors.
“In turn, we have witnessed hotels around the world strive to be the most photogenic and Instagrammable accommodation providers in 2019.”
Anthony Goldman is just one of the many fab speakers lined up to feature at Travel DAZE 2019. Click here to secure your spot at the travel industry’s most disruptive conference.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Anthony Goldman aussie travellers Goldman GroupLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
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 […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
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 […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
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 […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!