In a historic shift, Indonesia has dethroned New Zealand as the most popular overseas destination for short-term trips by Australians in 2023, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Around 1.37 million Australians ventured to Indonesia last year, marking a significant increase compared to the 1.26 million who opted for New Zealand.
This shift represents the first time in nearly 50 years that New Zealand hasn’t held the top spot since the ABS began collecting tourism data.
The data also reveals distinct motivations for travel to each destination. While 86% of Australians visiting Indonesia chose holidays, only 43% did the same for New Zealand. Conversely, visiting friends and relatives was a larger draw for New Zealand, attracting 38% of travelers compared to just 7% for Indonesia.
This development follows decades of New Zealand reigning supreme as the go-to destination for Australian getaways. Indonesia, however, steadily climbed the ranks, surpassing the United States as the runner-up since early 2014. Both countries saw a peak in Australian tourism in 2019, followed by a sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the reasons behind this shift remain open to speculation, it could be attributed to a combination of factors, including:
Indonesia’s diverse offerings:
From stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes to vibrant culture and historical sites, Indonesia boasts a wider variety of travel experiences.
Cost-effectiveness:
Compared to New Zealand, Indonesia generally offers more affordable travel options, attracting budget-conscious tourists.
Recovery from the pandemic:
Indonesia may have seen a faster tourism rebound due to relaxed travel restrictions and targeted marketing efforts.
This changing landscape highlights the evolving preferences of Australian travelers and could pave the way for further shifts in the regional tourism industry.
Whether this marks a permanent change or a temporary trend remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Indonesia has emerged as a major player in the Australian travel scene.
SOURCE: Aussies Flock to Indonesia, Toppling New Zealand as Top Travel Destination for the First Time BY: eTurboNews | eTN