The U.S. Tops Virtuoso’s List of Australian Travellers’ Favourite Destinations

Australians’ love affair with American holidays won’t be waning anytime soon, with Virtuoso’s latest survey of its 1,400 Australian travel advisors showing many of us are planning trips to the Americas for the upcoming 2018 holiday season. The United States ranked the highest on the list of Aussies’ preferred destinations, with Canada coming in second, according to the global luxury travel network.

The results were unveiled at the 30th annual Virtuoso Travel Week held in Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa from 11-17 August. Revered as the ‘Fashion Week of luxury travel’, the event is the industry’s largest and most prestigious, with more than 6,000 leading luminaries attending, including 140 Australian travel advisors.

Virtuoso Asia-Pacific Managing Director Michael Londregan said the survey results show the impact the increasing number and variety of airline carriers travelling between Australia and the United States is having.

“For a long time, the U.S. travel destinations that were popular for Australians sat along West Coast gateways, but with increased capacity through a range of American airlines and their domestic networks, we are seeing people starting to treat the U.S. in a holistic way,” Londregan said from Las Vegas.

“With Qantas and Air New Zealand accessing new gateways like Dallas and Houston, the true tourism potential of the United States is becoming realised as the destination becomes more available. Australians now think nothing of skiing in Colorado, exploring New England or Louisiana, even Mexico, as people push through the gateway cities and create interesting multi-stop itineraries.”

Londregan says cruising also continues to take a solid share of Australian travellers’ focus as the industry becomes more diverse, delivering product that appeals to almost any corner of the market.

“What’s great is that cruise product now has as much differentiation as hotel product, giving people the ability to choose the kind of cruise that is right for them. It recognises the right cruise is going to be different for couples, for families, people who want adventure, or wellness or who are active explorers and those who just want to stay onboard and enjoy the ship.

“Across the industry we are seeing so many more options available now which means people are more likely to get something that fits them – they are getting the right tailored solution.”

 

Top International Destinations

1. United States
2. Canada / Italy (tie)
3. Japan
4. France
5. New Zealand

 

Top Domestic Destinations

1. Queensland
2. Tasmania
3. Byron Bay
4. Sydney
5. Ayers Rock

 

Top Unusual/Surprising Destinations

1. Iceland
2. Bhutan
3. Mongolia
4. Sri Lanka
5. Antarctica

 

Top Trip Trends

1. Ocean cruises
2. Family trips
3. Beach destinations
4. Active and adventure trips
5. River cruises

 

Top Traveller Experiences

1. Soft adventure (hiking, bicycling)
2. Experiences with local culture
3. Wellness, spa and relaxation/ Food and beverage (tie)
4. Insider tours with locals
5. Living like a local