Spread the love
Post Views: 3

MELBOURNE: One of the world’s fastest growing travel companies, Luxury Escapes, today released its annual report, Travel Trends, detailing the nation’s views towards travel for 2022.
Following a tumultuous 24 months with a positive outlook finally in sight, the findings uncover destinations in demand, why travel means so much more than just a holiday and how bookings are already breaking historic records across the board. 
Australians optimistic about international travel 
There have been moments of hope throughout 2021 — hope that domestic and international travel might resume, restrictions would ease and life go back to normal, only for states to slam shut borders and plunge back into lockdown. However, optimism for travellers and the sector is finally here. The report, surveying over 1,200 respondents, revealed over 84% of Australians are optimistic about travel in 2022, with 76% confident that when it opens up — it will stay that way. 
The impact travel has on our mental health 
For many, travel means so much more than just a trip to soak up the sun, and that will become even more prevalent in 2022. An overwhelming 90% of Australians say travel positively impacts their mental health, at a time when influences on our state of mind have never been more significant. Following two years of incredibly isolating times for much of the country, 72% of respondents say travel will be more important for general wellbeing than ever before. 
Top international destinations for 2022 
Unsurprisingly, at the top of the list of international destinations to visit is Fiji, with Luxury Escapes having recorded a 488% increase in sales following the Bula Bubble announcement. New Zealand (13%), United Kingdom (7%), United States (7%) and Indonesia (6%) make up the top five after Fiji. 
Spending set to increase 
Following a difficult two years for the tourism industry, positive news is on the horizon as many Australians plan to spend more on travel than ever before. 62% of the nation disclosed they were still saving for travel throughout the pandemic with one third (36%) of respondents planning to spend more on travel in 2022 than they did pre-pandemic. 55% are looking to treat themselves on their first international holiday with the most popular indulgences including room and flight upgrades, massages and fine dining. 
The blend of travel and work 
The findings also show Australians expect flexibility beyond working from home in 2022. 72% of respondents believe workplaces should offer more flexibility when it comes to travelling and working together, with over half (52%) saying they’d be more inclined to accept a job that allows them to ‘work from anywhere’. As the desire and ability to travel enters a new dimension, Australians are looking to find ways to extend their adventures with 33% of respondents saying they plan to take a longer international trip than usual in 2022. 
“There’s no doubt travel is absolutely back. The US is open, South Pacific is opening, Asia is opening and Australians can’t wait to experience travel again. We had the busiest month in Luxury Escapes’ history with the announcement of Fiji Bubble and removal of quarantine in NSW and Victoria and are super excited about the next year and creating unforgettable experiences for millions of Luxury Escapes members around the world” explains Adam Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO Luxury Escapes.
Schwab continues; “The pandemic meant people around the world became insular, changing focus inwards. This meant for most of us, we didn’t think about the impact border closures have had on so many people around the world. Our great friends and neighbors in Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia have been especially hard hit, so dependent on Australian tourism. We can’t wait to travel again to see old friends and make a real difference to people’s lives.”
There haven’t been many good things that came from the pandemic, but if there’s one small silver lining, we now all appreciate travel in a completely different light. Not being able to see the world for two years has made us all appreciate just how important travel is.”
The report includes expert commentary from global industry leaders, including Phillipa Harrison — Managing Director, Tourism Australia, Brent Hill — CEO, Tourism Fiji and Athan Didaskalou — Co-Founder, July, as well as insights from some of Luxury Escapes’ most passionate and seasoned travellers.