Kiwis are continuing to travel amid cost of living pressures – but they're doing it a little bit differently, a travel company says.
"We're seeing Kiwi travellers be more thoughtful when choosing their holiday destinations," Intrepid Travel's Brett Mitchell said yesterday.
"With over-tourism still front and centre, we're seeing people opt for lesser-known destinations. So, we can expect to see New Zealanders adventure beyond the typical tourist traps and immerse themselves in more unique experiences this year."
Eve Lawrence of Intrepid Travel elaborated on Breakfast this morning.
"Lesser-known destinations are countries that are well known – countries like Vietnam, Morocco, India – but people are travelling not to the major cities, they're doing travel and unique experiences withing communities instead," she explained.
Like Mitchell, Lawrence said New Zealanders are bearing over-tourism in mind.
"We have it here in New Zealand in places like Milford Sound, for example," she said. "So people are thinking more consciously about the places they're visiting and choosing to travel with more purpose, rather than visiting just resort destinations.
"Very much holidaying differently."
And the focus on more purposeful travel is across all travellers, Lawrence added.
"I would say it's more prevalent for us among the 50-55 plus age bracket, but we also have a really good cohort in that 18-35 bracket as well, so it is growing in all segments.
"Traditionally, what we've seen is people will prioritise experiences and going and travelling to another location over buying luxury items for themselves at home," she said.
"At the moment, it's people who have that disposable income, maybe their kids have left home, but other age groups are slowly coming back in as prices start to fall."
Lawrence had some tips for anyone looking to get out there.
"Book early, do some research. Long gone are the days of getting really great last-minute discounts."
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