Sunset at Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Australians are finding a Pacific solution to exotic travel expense. Source: Supplied
HAWAII is fast becoming the new Bali for Australian travellers, as the strong dollar and cheap flights lure a record number of visitors from Down Under.
The number of trips taken by Australians to the US islands rose 33 per cent to more than 200,000 visits in the year to October, Hawaii Tourism figures show.
Hawaii was also the third most searched travel destination by Australians on Google after Bali and Fiji, it was revealed this week.
With airlines introducing more flights to cater to strong demand, the numbers are expected to continue to grow next year.
Jetstar begins flying from Melbourne to Honolulu today (Saturday December 15) with one-way sale fares from $399, excluding checked baggage.
The low-cost carrier will start flying twice a week before increasing to three flights per week in March.
Hawaiian Airlines began flying from Brisbane to Honolulu three times a week last month and plans to add more flights from March.
Hawaiian Airlines is also adding more flights between Sydney and Honolulu in April and May, increasing current daily flights to 10 per week for the two month period.
Jetstar flies five times a week from Sydney to Honolulu, and Qantas has three flights a week.
Since launching in Sydney in 2006, Jetstar has sold nearly 20,000 fares from Sydney to Honolulu for under $300 and nearly 80,000 for under $500.
Currents fares for Sydney to Honolulu start at $539.
Hawaii Tourism Oceania country manager Helen Williams said many Australians were returning two, three and even four times.
"Increased flights and departure points have made Hawaii more accessible than ever," she said.
"It's also a very attractive shopping destination for Australians to take advantage of the strong Australian dollar.
"Brand name products like jeans, makeup and running shoes can be a miniscule amount compared to what we pay here in Australia."
Ms Williams said the Aloha state's relative proximity as the closest US destination to Australia also helped.
"Hawaii is a medium-haul destination as opposed to mainland USA which is 14 hours, so for people who want to have an American experience it's very appealing," she said.
"Also, for families travelling with children, the 9.5 hour flight is very manageable, particularly outbound which is a night-time flight."
Visit USA spokesman Mark Sheehan said shopping was the number one activity for Australians visiting America.
"If you want name brands for unbelievable discount prices you're going to save 25 to 75 per cent," he said.
Australians made around 750,000 visits to the US in the last financial year, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics overseas arrivals and departures figures.
This compares to more than 320,000 visits to Fiji, more than 800,000 to Indonesia and more than one million to New Zealand.
Google most searched travel destinations by Australians 2012
1. Bali
2. Fiji
3. Hawaii
4. Disneyland
5. Maldives
6. Thailand
7. Seminyak
8. Whitsundays
9. Vietnam
10. Nelson Bay
Most searched countries on Google
1. New Zealand
2. Singapore
3. UK
4. Vanuatu
5. Thailand
6. Italy
7. Maldives
8. Indonesia
9. Russia
10. Mauritius
Top theme park searches
1. Disneyland
2. Movie World
3. Wet n Wild
4. Water park
5. Universal Studios
6. Rides
7. Seaworld
8. Luna Park
9. Lego Land
10. Fast Pass
Most searched local places
1. Mount Hotham, Victoria
2. Manly
3. Darling Harbour
4. Taronga Zoo
5. Great Ocean Road
6. Hunter Valley
7. Sydney University
8. Perisher
9. ANZ Stadium
10. Luna Park
Australian Cities (Most Searched)
1. Sydney
2. Melbourne
3. Brisbane
4. Perth
5. Adelaide
6. Canberra
7. Cairns
8. Gold Coast
9. Byron Bay
10. Townsville
Top ecotourism searches
1. Whale Watching
2. Daintree
3. North Pole
4. Cape Tribulation
5. Eco Lodge
6. South Pole
7. Eden Project
8. Whale Sightings
9. Mossman Gorge
10. North Pole
No comments:
Post a Comment