Trip across the ditch still top of the list for Kiwis

Media release

Trip across the ditch still top of the list for Kiwis

• Latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com reveals Kiwis’ love for Aussie hotspots in 2015

• The weakening New Zealand dollar did little to deter Kiwis from the US last year

AUCKLAND, 9 February 2016: New research has revealed Kiwi travellers continued to cross the ditch for a holiday in 2015, with three destinations in Australia featuring in their top five international getaways last year.

The latest Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™) from Hotels.com™ has revealed Kiwis stamped their passports most frequently in Melbourne and Sydney in 2015, as both cities came in at first and second place for the third year running as the most popular travel destinations. The sun and sand of the Gold Coast also won Kiwis’ hearts, with this Queensland hot spot landing in fifth place on the list.

The Hotels.com data also revealed that despite the weakening dollar against the US, Kiwis dusted off their suitcases for a trip to the States, with the bright lights of Las Vegas, the palm-lined shores of Honolulu and the streets of New York included in the top 10 most popular destinations for 2015.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian paradise of Bali landed in the top 10 list as the seventh most popular destination for Kiwis, while Bangkok ranked eighth and Singapore ninth. The usual Kiwi favourite of London just scraped in, claiming the tenth spot in the list of most popular international travel destinations last year.

The HPI is a regular report on hotel prices in major destinations across the world. The data is drawn from bookings made on the hundreds of thousands of hotels on the Hotels.com websites worldwide.

Commenting on the latest figures, Katherine Cole, Regional Director for Australia, New Zealand & Singapore for the Hotels.com brand, said: “With the Kiwi dollar predicted to continue to stay strong against the Aussie dollar in 2016, there hasn’t been a better time for Kiwis to visit their trans-Tasman neighbours in a long time. We’re confident travel to Australia will continue to see solid growth in 2016.”

“To ensure Kiwis make the most of international travel, Hotels.com Rewards™ is the industry leading loyalty rewards programme where travellers stay for 10 nights to get 1 free*. The Hotels.com mobile app will also come in handy while travelling with a wide range of hotels in all corners of the globe available at the touch of your screen on the go,” said Ms Cole.

Top 10 international destinations for Kiwi travellers:

For Kiwis planning on travelling to one of the nation’s top four much-loved international destinations, Hotels.com has rounded up some of the best deals to get you there:

Melbourne

It’s easy to see why Melbourne is the number one international holiday destination for Kiwis. Known as Australia’s capital for arts and culture, Melbourne offers museums, top-notch restaurants and bars and spectacular wineries, and is the host to a number of major sporting events. From the artistic masterpieces of the National Gallery of Victoria to shopping at the famous Queen Victoria Market, watching a sports game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and to wining and dining along Chapel Street, Melbourne something for everyone.

Rooms at the Royce Hotel, Melbourne start at NZ $181 per room per night**. To book a stay visit: http://nz.hotels.com/ho187913/royce-hotel-melbourne-australia/

To download images of this hotel, please click here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aamd2wkm26b9aj1/AACkmJ8OlOXlER0Mel_5lrNda?dl=0

Sydney

With its endless attractions, beautiful parks, first-class dining and famous beaches, it’s obvious why Kiwis are drawn to Sydney. Explore Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, visit the Opera House and for the adventurous, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Laze around on Bondi beach, sip on champagne at George Street’s Ivy Bar, or do some bargain hunting at one of the bustling markets.

Rooms at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney start at NZ $308 per room per night**. To book a stay visit: http://nz.hotels.com/ho130397/sheraton-on-the-park-sydney-australia/

Las Vegas

With its neon lights, first class casinos and dazzling shows and performances, it’s no wonder Kiwis are ticking Las Vegas off their bucket list. See all the famous sites firsthand, stroll along the vibrant Las Vegas strip, catch an amazing performance, party it up at one of the incredible nightclubs or try your luck at one of the many casinos. Take a day trip and treat yourself to a helicopter tour of the magnificent Grand Canyon and make time to visit the locale inspired hotels, they will feel like you have travelled around the world!

Rooms at Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino, Las Vegas, start at NZ $144 per room per night**. To book visit: http://nz.hotels.com/ho163446/mandalay-bay-resort-and-casino-las-vegas-united-states/

Honolulu

Honolulu is a beachside paradise and the fun is truly endless. Spend your holiday relaxing on the sand at the one Honolulu’s pristine beaches or be adventurous and go scuba dividing, snorkelling, or windsurfing. With a number of historic landmarks and museums as well as shopping, dining and entertainment options, plus a buzzing nightlife scene, Honolulu definitely won’t disappoint.

Rooms at Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites, Honolulu start at NZ $273 per room per night**. To book visit: http://nz.hotels.com/ho222657/luana-waikiki-hotel-suites-honolulu-united-states-of-america/

*Free night does not include taxes and fees. See herehttp://nz.hotels.com/hotel-rewards-pillar/hotelscomrewards.html for full terms and conditions.

**Hotel Deals: Price quoted is per double room per night and is inclusive of all fees and taxes. Rates are subject to availability. Minimum stay requirements and black-out dates may apply. Prices are available as of 9rdof February, 2016. Prices may fluctuate due to changes in taxes, fees and currency. Visit https://au.hotels.com/ for full terms and conditions.

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