In an initiative that combines seamless travel services with a powerful charitable impact, ALL – Accor’s popular booking and loyalty platform – is launching pop-up currency exchange booths across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane this November. These booths will offer Australians access to the “World’s Best Exchange Rate” and provide an effortless way to turn unused travel currency into meaningful charity support for the Domestic Violence Collective. This dynamic venture emerges as a response to recent research by ALL, revealing that Australians are sitting on an estimated AUD 1.04 billion in unused foreign currency.
With Australians eager to travel but still mindful of cost-saving measures, these pop-up exchanges offer an innovative way to clear out that foreign change while contributing to a worthy cause. Each dollar exchanged will support the vital work of the Domestic Violence Collective, demonstrating how global travel and local compassion can go hand-in-hand.
Australians’ Untapped Travel Cash Stash
The Worlds Best Exchange Rate.
ALL’s study surveyed over 1,000 Australians recently travelling overseas and highlighted that nearly 70% of international travellers return with leftover currency. The data reveals that 14% of Australians hold at least $300 AUD in foreign cash, with one-third admitting to having around $50 in coins and bills from their travels.
Many Australians retain foreign currency as souvenirs or “just in case” they revisit the country, especially among younger travellers (aged 18-34) who are more inclined to keep their currency stashes for future trips. The survey noted that 97% of Australians still carry physical currency abroad, citing the need to avoid international transaction fees, purchase from local markets, or leave tips for local hospitality workers.
Despite the rise of cashless payments and travel cards, most Australians still favour traditional exchange methods. 56% visit exchange stores and 38% use local banks, preferring these methods over apps for acquiring foreign currency.
A Fresh Way to Exchange and Give Back
Novotel Barossa Valley Resort.
In response to this trend, ALL’s pop-up booths will be active throughout November, offering Australians a unique opportunity to exchange their leftover cash for a cause. According to Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific PM&E, “As Australia’s largest hotel operator, we’re seeing a remarkable appetite for global travel among Australians, especially younger generations. We also see millions in foreign currency sitting idle in homes across the country. Through the World’s Best Exchange Rate, we’re giving Australians a way to transform their unused travel money into something meaningful, with every dollar exchanged going directly to the Domestic Violence Collective.”
This innovative currency exchange event aligns with Accor’s commitment to creating a positive impact within the communities they serve. The initiative provides travellers with a convenient exchange service and supports individuals and families in need, promoting an accessible and philanthropic form of giving.
Dates and Locations for ALL’s Currency Exchange Pop-Ups
Australians eager to take part can visit ALL’s pop-up currency booths at the following locations:
- Sydney: World Square
- November 12-13, 2024
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (AEDT)
- Melbourne: State Library Victoria
- November 19-20, 2024
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (AEDT)
- Brisbane: Queen Street Mall
- November 28-29, 2024
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (AEST)
For those unable to attend in person, ALL.com provides additional ways to engage, including prize opportunities for members and exclusive travel offers for future vacations.
Special End of Year Offers for ALL Members
Adding to the excitement, ALL is offering travellers a unique opportunity to plan upcoming adventures for less with its End of Year Offer. From November 11, 2024, to January 15, 2025, travellers booking two nights or more can enjoy discounts of up to 15% on stays across Australia, with ALL members receiving an extra 5% discount and Accor Plus members gaining a further 10% off. Stays are valid from November 14, 2024, through April 27, 2025, inviting travellers to explore ALL’s vast portfolio of over 350 hotels in Australia, spanning luxury to budget accommodations.
Whether travellers stay at iconic brands like Sofitel, MGallery, and Pullman or explore value-driven options such as Ibis and Mantra, the End-of-Year Offer provides a cost-effective way to plan future holidays. For more details, visitors can explore the offer here: ALL Members’ Private Sale.
Accor’s Expansive Australian Portfolio
As the largest hotel operator in Australia, Accor’s influence is evident across 18 international brands and 350 hotels. With notable names in hospitality such as Sofitel, Peppers, Mövenpick, and Novotel, ALL members can expect a blend of world-class service, comfortable accommodations, and loyalty perks. Accor’s portfolio supports travel across diverse regions and experiences, from luxurious getaways to budget-conscious stays.
Transforming Leftover Currency into Community Impact
ALL’s campaign exemplifies a modern approach to travel, one that bridges global exploration with a commitment to local communities. Australians often return from trips abroad with foreign currency in hand, only to sit unused for months or even years. Now, ALL’s innovative exchange booths offer a chance to free up that idle cash, transforming it into meaningful support for domestic violence survivors.
This inventive campaign highlights the social responsibility woven into ALL and Accor’s mission. By providing an easy and accessible way for Australians to donate through currency exchange, ALL is not only alleviating the hassle of managing foreign currency but is also enhancing its support for the Domestic Violence Collective’s life-changing work.
Visit ALL’s Currency Exchange Pop-Ups this November to participate in this impactful initiative, where every exchanged dollar makes a difference. Find details, reserve special rates, and read more about ALL’s loyalty and charity programs at ALL.com.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
