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Austravel will be leading the way in specifically targeting those Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), the fastest-growing sector according to Tourism Australia’s most recent UK visitor figures.
Always a hugely important but largely overlooked market, VFR increased by 4% in 2009 and has even more potential for growth if nurtured by long-haul tour operators.
“Until now, operators have felt that that the market more or less takes care of itself and that it’s difficult to convert those bookings into tourist dollars,” comments Ben Briggs, Brand Manager for Austravel.
“However, this market has the emotional incentives to continue to travel regardless of economic and climate fall-outs and at Austravel, we believe there is a way to convert VFR bookings into on-the-ground spending.”
Earlier this year, Austravel launched its “Home and away” online booking service, enabling visitors to book accommodation in pound sterling at the same unbeatable rates even whilst away in Australia or New Zealand. The service is perfect for VFRs planning spontaneous side-trips – whether they want to whisk their hosts away for a thank-you treat or need to go off alone to give themselves and their friends and families some space.
The specialist has also launched a “Live like a Local” concept to offer a new range of typically-Kiwi accommodation. Designed specifically to appeal to Brits visiting family and friends, the collection of city apartments, bachs and farmstays offer visitors space, privacy and a chance to play host for a change.
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
