Supermarkets have replaced their Christmas stock with hot cross buns. School holidays are drawing to a close. And many Aussies are getting ready to book their next getaway. But what do they want and where are they going?
Tauck managing director Australia David Clark says Australians are not shrinking violets when it comes to travel.
“They know what they want from a holiday experience and don’t want to waste any time.”
But Clark says the pandemic has meant many Australians are more cautious with how they travel. And with whom they travel.
“After coming through the pandemic, they want to book with an established brand.”
And they also want to experience something unique. Something “with exclusive access or a special ‘behind the scenes’ element, that can only be organised with local, insider’s knowledge,” says Clark.
Tauck’s range of land journeys, small ship cruises, rivers cruises, family adventures and small group tours have been a hit in Australia.
David Clark (Tauck), Vicki Williamson (MTA Travel), Kerry Cleasby (Travel Managers), Marienne Guberina (SmartFlyer), Jenny Reeves (Phil Hoffmann Travel)
“We’ve been finding that Australians really resonate with our unique product offering,” Clark says.
And with near-record pre-season bookings, and strong interest from past guests and new-to-Tauck travellers, the company is well-positioned to further build upon its success in Australia.
“Our phenomenal growth in Australia last year has given us the experience, resources and momentum to confidently move forward into 2023,” Clark says.
Tauck’s 2023 predictions
Having travel taken away for so long has meant Australians aren’t cutting corners to get the travel experiences they want.
“An increased number of Tauck’s guests are booking business class air travel, or at the very least some of the amazing premium economy products out there,” Clark says.
But luxury isn’t just about sitting in the front of the plane. According to Clark, people are looking for “intimate, personalised and exclusive access to destinations and attractions”.
“They want a travel provider who can arrange unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that are off the beaten track”.
And while Tauck is seeing “incredible demand” for river cruises that sail the Rhine, Douro, Danube, Rhône or Seine, North America will be back with a vengeance in 2023, he says.
“Tauck’s itinerary to America’s Canyonlands has been one of the strongest selling Tauck tours in Australia in the past and we are seeing this popularity come back in 2023 and 2024.”
For more information on Tauck, visit the website at www.tauck.com.au.
