Fewer New Zealanders have travelled to attend events around Aotearoa in the last year, with new research showing the impact of lockdowns on domestic travel.
However, the number of Kiwis taking domestic holidays did not change, with three out of four going away for overnight leisure trips, according to the findings of Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s latest Domestic Visitor Satisfaction survey.
The survey, carried out by Angus & Associates, questions New Zealanders on their perceptions of regional travel. It complements other domestic market research carried out by Tourism New Zealand.
“We know that lockdowns and the uncertainty created by the pandemic have seriously affected both public and private events, from festivals to weddings and birthday parties. In the year ending September 2021, the research shows that 11 per cent of domestic leisure trips were for events, down from 17 per cent the previous year,” TIA chief executive Chris Roberts says.
Fifty one per cent of domestic leisure trips were for holidays or short breaks (up from 45 per cent), while 36 per cent were to visit family and friends (up from 35 per cent).
COVID has also changed where people are travelling, with Auckland recording the largest decline in market share of leisure trips, from 24 per cent (YE Sept 2020) to 21 per cent.
“This is likely a combination of the lockdowns affecting TƒÅmaki Makaurau Auckland and resulting impacts on events in the region,” Chris says.
Hamilton/Waikato and Queenstown gained the most market share, rising from 10 per cent to 13 per cent and 7 per cent to 10 per cent respectively.
“Pleasingly, Kiwis continue to be very satisfied with their domestic breaks, with 62 per cent scoring their satisfaction level as 9 or 10 out of 10. And 52 per cent said their expectations were exceeded on their latest trip,” Chris says.
“As we look forward to summer holidays, tourism operators in every region are gearing up to welcome manuhiri with world-class activities and experiences. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and to make the most of being able to once again travel around Aotearoa.”
To read the latest Domestic Visitor Satisfaction research, click here.
