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Almost two thirds of Australians (57%) feel positive about the upcoming opening of international borders, according to a new survey of 1,000 Australian adults commissioned by Savvy.
As for where people would go would be influenced by their destination country’s COVID mitigation policies. 48% said it would “very significantly” influence choice, with 31% saying it would significantly influence their choice – almost four in five respondents.
The reasons for going overseas are overwhelmingly recreational – 87% saying they are primarily leaving for a holiday or to meet family and friends. 3% said they would be returning home. As for when that would happen, 23% said within six to twelve months; 24% within one to two years. Only 2% of respondents said they’d jet off immediately.
As for where they’d like to travel the most, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands topped the survey (26%) followed by Asia (21%) and Europe (20%). Surprisingly, only 7% chose the United Kingdom, and 6% North America.
In light of Australians being stranded overseas due to tightened quarantine quotas or outbreaks in certain countries, 47% are worried about being stuck in their destination – which outweighs the worry of catching COVID-19 (31%).
The Vaccination Issue
64% of respondents said that they would feel uncomfortable boarding a flight with unvaccinated passengers. 59% of 55–64-year-olds reported they would feel “very uncomfortable” with the prospect. Only 18% of respondents said they would be comfortable sharing a flight with unvaccinated passengers.
43% said that the unvaccinated should get the jab before being allowed to travel. 48% of Sydneysiders agreed; as did 46% of Brisbanites. Perth and greater WA residents agreed strongly (49% and 52% respectively.)
Only a quarter said unvaccinated passengers should be allowed to travel, as long as they adhered to quarantine and travel rules. 20% said they should be allowed, provided they can produce a negative COVID test prior to boarding.
Airfares and Costs
37% of survey respondents said they’d spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on their next international trip, with 46% of 18–24-year-olds agreeing. 30% would spend up to $5,000; 12% would spend $10,000-$15,000.
“There is an appetite to travel and a lot of people have had two years to save up for a trip,” says Savvy Managing Director Bill Tsouvalas. “Seeing as the upper end of spending is still quite small, with only two percent saying they’d spend over $20,000, this may indicate nervousness in going on holiday for extended periods. But overwhelmingly, Australians are eager to travel once again. They’ve been waiting a long time.”