Age no barrier for active Kiwi holidaymakers

Age no barrier for active Kiwi holidaymakers

Auckland, 25 March 2013 – Kiwis aged in their fifties are just as likely to seek active holidays as those half their age, according to a recent online survey commissioned by AA Tourism.

More than 10,800 New Zealanders took part in the survey, which revealed those aged 51-60 were as likely to book holidays involving activities like cycling or tramping as those aged 25 or younger.

Of the 51-60 age group, 20% were planning to take an active domestic holiday during 2013, compared with 22% of under twenty-fives who were planning an active holiday.

Moira Penman, CEO for AA Tourism, says the results provide great insights for tourism operators who may have traditionally targeted the younger generations when it came to active holiday breaks.

“Never underestimate the energy of Kiwi holidaymakers, regardless of their age,” says Penman.

”Empty nesters tend to have more disposable income and more time up their sleeves after their children leave home and many are keen to try new experiences.

“Health and fitness is also high on their radar, so activity-based holidays are attractive amongst this demographic.

“Many tourism operators have already recognised this interest and have tailored more active holiday packages and products to this age group and we can only encourage this positive approach,” she adds.

The same survey also found higher age brackets were exploring more domestic holiday destinations with 22% planning on travelling somewhere new this year, compared to just 15% in 2012.

“New Zealand has so much to offer its domestic travellers and these results show that our older holidaymakers are becoming more open to discovering what is on their doorstep. They are not just staying with their ‘trusted, tried and true’ holiday destinations. This is a trend we would love to see continue in the months and years to come,” says Mrs Penman.

“New Zealanders are quick to tell others about the amazing place in which they live – now’s the time for them to get out there and experience more of it for themselves.”

New Zealanders’ top four planned holiday destinations for 2013 are Auckland, Northland, Coromandel and Wellington. Sharing fifth-equal position are Canterbury, Central Otago and Bay of Plenty. In 2012, Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Northland and Bay of Plenty were the top five holiday destinations.

For New Zealand travel tips, ideas (including the latest list of 101 Must Do’s for Kiwis), accommodation bookings, and reviews from like-minded travellers, visit www.aatravel.co.nz

New Zealand Travel Trends

• Visiting friends and family was the most popular type of holiday in 2012 (63%)
o This figure looks set to decline in 2013 with just 53% of Kiwis planning to take a holiday to visit family and friends
• Almost two in five New Zealanders enjoyed a beach holiday in 2012 (37%)
• Fewer than one in ten New Zealanders did not travel within New Zealand in 2012 (7%)
• In 2012, 15% of Kiwis travelled somewhere in New Zealand they had never been before
o This figure looks set to increase in 2013 with 21% of Kiwis planning to travel somewhere in New Zealand they haven’t been before

About AA Tourism
AA Tourism, a subsidiary of NZAA & AAA Tourism Pty Ltd, is a company that loves New Zealand! With a strong commitment to advancing domestic tourism, AA Tourism aims to encourage people to travel through inspiration. Their comprehensive travel information and accommodation booking website is more than a booking engine – AA Tourism offers valuable travel planning tools so that consumers are equipped with everything they need to plan a great Kiwi holiday or short break.

With over 5000 tourism operators and accommodation providers to choose from 24/7, AA Tourism strives to help Kiwis enhance their holiday experience through its various media channels and products including AA Smartfuel, 101 Must Do’s for Kiwis, Been There Traveller Reviews and Hot Travel Deals.

www.aatravel.co.nz

ENDS

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