Kiwi’s ‘unwaveringly positive’ about future travel plans

Online travel company Booking.com has released the 2023 edition of its APAC Travel Confidence Index.
This year’s index has revealed a striking paradox: despite financial concerns ranking highest among travellers’ worries (55 per cent), two-thirds (69 per cent) of Kiwis maintain unwavering optimism for their future travel plans over the next 12 months.
More than half of Kiwis (59 per cent) would like to travel more – the highest of any country included in the study of which the average was 36 per cent.
The rising cost of living, travel expenses, and interest rates came through as the biggest considerations impacting Kiwis’ travel decisions this year. However, financial concerns aren’t enough to stem New Zealanders’ wanderlust: a majority (62 per cent) intend to take the same number or even more international trips this year than last year, whilst similarly (65 per cent) also plan to take trips as long, or even longer, than those they took in 2022.
The study also revealed that the need to save money currently is at odds with the incentive to travel sustainably, with only one in five (18 per cent) Kiwis willing to pay more for sustainable accommodation.
The Booking.com APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 surveyed more than 8000 travellers from 11 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, including New Zealand, was conducted between April and May 2023. It presents an in-depth analysis of travel confidence and sustainability interests across the region.
The report unveils four distinctive traveller personas for the first time, providing valuable insights into their prime motivations, priorities and travel behaviours:
Homebound Pragmatists (New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Thailand) prefer practical travel and staying close to home. They prioritise convenience, efficiency, and optimising time and resources, with more than half (62per cent) of Kiwis wanting to take more time out to relax and stay overseas longer than before.
Comfort Seekers (Singapore, Australia) prioritise comfort and convenience. They seek indulgent experiences and accommodations with maximum relaxation. They value personalised services, high-quality amenities, and prioritise comfort.
Conscious Explorers (Hong Kong, India, China, Taiwan) actively pursue eco-friendly and sustainable travel. They are passionate about exploring while minimising environmental impact.
Mindful Voyagers (Vietnam) have a deliberate and thoughtful travel approach, driven by their sense of responsibility to the environment and desire to help local communities.
However, they often experience anxieties in unfamiliar environments and actively seek resources to overcome travel concerns and gain confidence.
A Snapshot of Kiwi travel confidence
Kiwi travellers are becoming savvy spenders, choosing budget-friendly accommodations (42 per cent), travelling during off-peak times (39 per cent), and practising mindful spending (40 per cent). What’s more, they’re more likely (37 per cent) to look to stay with family and friends while travelling than any other APAC country. Despite their frugal habits, 48 per cent of Kiwis enjoy indulging in retail therapy during their adventures and big city breaks.
Given the current stresses of everyday life, travellers are seeking out relaxing holidays to escape from reality. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) are travelling to kick back and relax, while one-third (32 per cent) are doing so to escape reality – the second highest in APAC.
Beyond the sweet escape, Kiwi travellers are inspired by their passions. Sixty three per cent prioritise food and dining experiences, enjoying the flavours of different cuisines around the world. New Zealanders also appreciate captivating scenery, with 68 per cent seeking breathtaking and unforgettable landscapes and, a further 63 per cent, beach havens and islands.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, it’s refreshing to see Kiwis’ adventurous spirit lives on in their healthy appetite for continuing to explore their own backyard, as well as the world beyond our borders,” says Booking.com regional manager Oceania Todd Lacey.
“It’s clear that travel will continue to be a priority for Kiwi travellers who are thinking smartly about how they prioritise their spend so they don’t miss out on experiences. Despite being one of the last countries to return to travel in 2022, insights from this year’s Travel Confidence Index reassuringly proves that New Zealand is well on its way to reclaiming its position as a world leading tourism destination.”