Travel agents remain the top choice for many Aussies when booking holidays, new research from PassportCard Australia has found.
Despite the rise of TikTok trends and AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, two in five (39 per cent) Australians still rely on a travel agent to book their next getaway. That’s more than double the number using TikTok (15 per cent) or AI (14 per cent).
When it comes to trip research, Australians are blending old and new. According to this study, Google leads the way (67 per cent), followed by online travel agencies (59 per cent) and airline or hotel websites (56 per cent). Travel agents still rank highly, ahead of newer digital tools.
“While tools like TikTok and AI are shaking up the industry, our data shows Aussies still value the reassurance and expertise that comes from speaking to a real person,” PassportCard Australia CEO Peter Klemt said.
“It’s clear that even in a world of TikTok travel hacks and AI-generated itineraries, personalised support and advice from a travel agent is still a big part of how Australians plan and book their holidays.”
The research also unearthed a timely reminder about travel insurance.
Many Aussies are travelling with high-value items, with two in five (38 per cent) carrying $2,000–$5,000 in belongings. But over half (57 per cent) admit they only have a general idea of what their policy covers. Tech items (88per cent) and sentimental belongings (64 per cent) are what they would most hate to lose.
“Australians are often travelling with valuable personal items, but many don’t know what their policy actually covers until something goes wrong,” Klemt said.
“Whether you book through a travel agent, a website or an app, insurance should never be an afterthought, and we want Aussies to feel informed and supported when it comes to what their policy includes.”
Earlier this year, an Allianz Partners Australia survey found that an overwhelming four in five (82 per cent) of Australian travellers will take out travel insurance in 2025 despite cost-of-living concerns as seven out of 10 Aussies (71 per cent) plan to head overseas this year.
