“The momentum for Australian overseas travel had a hiccup with the GFC, but since then it has continued to show steady growth with the dollar being relatively strong against the USD and the Euro,” Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said.
SYDNEY – The weakening dollar has failed to dampen the intrepid Australian traveller with visitors to Hawaii growing strongly year-on-year, particularly in the luxury visitor market.
“The momentum for Australian overseas travel had a hiccup with the GFC, but since then it has continued to show steady growth with the dollar being relatively strong against the USD and the Euro,” Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said.
“Notably the momentum for international travel has not been dampened with the AUDs recent weakening.“
“Hawaii continues to gain strong support for Australian travellers and our member agencies are reporting strong increases in both passenger numbers and yields.“
“Hawaiian suppliers are very aware this is a growing source market and are focussing attention and resources on the Australian traveller.“
“What is clear is that customers have a well-established plan for the travel experiences they want and this clarity outweighs the impact of currency fluctuations, in fact the entire value equation has repurposed around customer experiences”.
Mr Londregan said Virtuoso was bringing more than 30 luxury products from all over the world to meet with their luxury travel advisors across Australia this week. The Roadshow event will give representatives from luxury hotels and travel brands the chance to showcase their products to Australian luxury travel advisors who can connect them with their high-end clients.
“Included in this list will be a number of US based luxury brands and three top-tier Hawaiian hotels for which Australia is an extremely important market.”
For luxury boutique resort, The Modern Honolulu, Australia is its largest international market and has shown consistent, significant year-on-year growth.
“Australia is our No.1 international market after the US, however Australia is very,very close at almost 50/50,” Lisa DeCambra, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Modern Honolulu said.
“We are seeing couples, singles, friends traveling together – and they are enjoying the culture, tropical island beauty, the multitude of activities including outdoor and historical experiences and the array of quality dining and beverage experiences we offer here in Hawaii.“
“We haven’t seen any sign of a decline in this market since the AUD fall and Australian visitors continue to visit The Modern Honolulu, and are enjoying our culinary and unique beverage outlets as well.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
