New Zealand Experiencing ‘Golden Age’ In Travel

19 April 2006

New Zealand Experiencing ‘Golden Age’ In Travel

The steady fall in international airfare prices over the past 12 months is further evidence that New Zealand is experiencing a “golden age” of international travel, according to the country’s largest travel retailer.

Flight Centre general manager Jeremy van de Klundert said the Consumer Price Index data released today reporting a 12.3 percent decrease in international air travel prices in the previous 12 months in the face of increasing fuel prices was “astounding”.

The decrease also came despite annual inflation reaching 3.4 percent.

Mr van de Klundert said strong competition on the routes commonly travelled by New Zealanders was the prime reason for fare decreases, coupled with new advertising standards requiring fuel surcharges to be included in the main body of the advertised fare.

Mr van de Klundert also cited New Zealander’s ongoing growth in the demand for international travel as keeping flight loads high, and therefore making it possible for airlines to sustain lower fares.

In the year ended February 2006 New Zealanders made 1,875,516 overseas trips, compared with 1,756,614 in the previous year, an overall increase of 6.8 percent.

“New Zealanders are now travelling overseas in greater numbers, going further afield and exploring more of the world than ever before. It shows the reputation we have for being keen travellers is definitely well deserved.”

There was also a trend to be more adventurous and explore new destinations, particularly in Asia, Mr van de Klundert said.

“I believe we’re in a golden age of travel at present, there’s never been a better set of circumstances for overseas travel, with much of the world extremely welcoming to visitors and prices so low. It may not always be as easy or as inexpensive as it is today, so if someone is thinking of taking that trip of a lifetime there may never be a better time.”

ENDS

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