29 June 2008 - Grey Nomads keen to spend the kids’ inheritance and hit the road down under
Two thirds of Aussies over 55 years of age are eager to hit the road for an extended
trip around Australia, with 60 per cent of those placing The Kimberley region at
the top of their retirement must-see list.
According to new research¹ from insurer Apia, 80 per cent of Baby Boomers are likely
to spend their kids’ inheritance realising the great Australian dream of a driving
holiday around the country.
Apia Executive Manager Geoff Keogh says that older Australians recognise the benefits of exploring their own backyard.
“Domestic travel offers significant advantages for older Australians, not least of which, is the ability to drive which can be done on a range of budget options.”
Research from Tourism Australia demonstrates that mature Aussie travellers prefer
to take a driving holiday than fly. In 2004, Australian domestic travellers over
55 years of age spent $11 billion on fuel compared to only $8.6 billion on airfares.
The reverse is true for young Australians who prefer to fly than drive².
Mr Keogh explains, “This mid-life extended road trip underpins the “Grey Nomad”
philosophy of living life to its full in retirement.
“Despite rising fuel prices, driving offers real cost benefits for these travellers and allows them the freedom and flexibility to explore new places at their leisure.”
For these Nomads, extended trips are a popular way to see Australia. Almost half
(49%) would like to spend more than four months on the road, with one in five saying
they will ideally travel for longer than six months. Baby Boomers are the group
most likely to plan a long journey around Australia.
“Our research shows that older Australians with children are twice as likely as
those without to spend their kids’ inheritance on a much deserved Aussie adventure
for themselves. Baby Boomers in particular look at their retirement years as a time to live life to the full and experience new things.”
Iconic Experiences
For retired Aussies looking to take an extended holiday, the size of Australia and wealth of experiences on offer is another clear advantage to domestic travel.
“Nomads are stay-at-home patriots who want to visit the iconic sights spanning the
country from The Kimberly to The Great Barrier Reef. They are proud of Australia
and appreciate the immeasurable cultural experience they can enjoy exploring their
own backyard,” said Mr Keogh.
The most popular destinations mature travellers plan to visit on their Australian adventure are:
- The Kimberley (60 per cent);
- Tasmania (46 per cent);
- Cape York Peninsula (37 per cent);
- The Great Barrier Reef (33 per cent); and
- Uluru (30 per cent).
Other interesting statistics about Grey Nomads, from Tourism Research Australia’s June 2008 Snapshots:
- According to the ABS, the number of people aged over 65 will almost double between 1995 and 2021.
- There were19.9 million domestic overnight mature age visitors (aged 55 years and over) during 2007.
- Mature age visitors spent less on shopping and airfares, while they spent more on other transport, organised tours and package tours.
- Domestic mature aged visitors are more likely to stay at their destination longer than those aged under 55, staying around 5 nights compared to 3 nights by younger visitors.
- Mature aged domestic overnight visitors are more likely to travel as an adult couple than visitors under 55 years (48% compared to 20%).
¹ Galaxy Research, August 2007
² Tourism Australia snapshots, December 2005
For more information on mature travellers, please visit: Tourism Australia.
For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Jacqui Hickman, Hill & Knowlton, on 02 9286 1271 or 0410 190 542.
Media Contacts:
Apia
Sonia Longden
Apia Corporate Affairs
0421 165 650
Tourism Australia
Alissa Galbraith
Public Affairs Manager, Tourism Australia
02
9361 1306
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