Source: Minor
Source: Minor

As Australians ring in 2019, goals are being set for the New Year, and without a doubt, 'work less; travel more' will be the resolution topping many of these lists.

So where are Aussie holidaymakers headed this year? Leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts is lifting the lid on some of the hottest trends in travel for 2019, along with the destinations that are set to benefit the most from domestic tourism, according to the hotelier.

Kicking things off is an expected shift in booking patterns, with Oaks Hotels & Resorts observing a move towards a slightly longer lead-time when it comes to when guests are reserving their Australian accommodation.

"Typically, we see a strong percentage of our rooms booked within a last-minute window, which is anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks prior to check-in, however based on recent booking patterns, we are expecting this to extend further out in the New Year, with travellers set to plan their stays further in advance," says Mr Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels - Australia and New Zealand.

The average length of stay is expected to hold strong in 2019 at two nights plus, which is consistent with 2018 data from Oaks Hotels & Resorts.

"There is a definite advantage for travellers to book two nights' accommodation or more, with discounts available on multi-night stays, and we will see this booking trend continue into the New Year, with guests taking advantage of these 'stay longer and save' offers."

And while city properties are predicted to continue to top Oaks Hotels & Resorts' most popular destinations in 2019, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, it's also regional Australia that will enjoy strong visitation from domestic travellers.

"For so many Australians, the opportunity to explore their own backyard is becoming increasingly attractive as a travel proposition due to a softer Australian dollar and more competitive airfares being offered to convince Australians to stay and spend closer to home. And it is not just our vibrant cities expected to be the most popular; our unique regional destinations are making their way onto many holiday bucket lists, too."

New South Wales' Tweed Coast, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley, Western Australia's remote pearling town of Broome, and the seaside hub of Glenelg in South Australia are just some of the regions that will beckon Australian holidaymakers this year.

But it's Oaks Hotels & Resorts' Queensland portfolio that is set to benefit the most in 2019, with recent data from Tourism & Events Queensland showing that the Sunshine State welcomed 22.5 million domestic visitors in the year ended June 2018, with no signs of slowing down. Average daily rates meanwhile rose (up $2.62); RevPar remained steady; and the supply of rooms in Queensland increased by 3.2% in November 2018 when compared to the previous year - which further shows strength in the Queensland accommodation sector.

Brisbane topped the list of domestic overnight visitation by region, followed by the Fraser Coast, Gold Coast and Mackay, while the Sunshine Coast, Tropical North Queensland and Townsville all slid into the top 10.

"These statistics are pleasing and reinforce our ongoing growth plans for Queensland, given we have a presence in each of these regions, and close to half of our Australian portfolio is Queensland-based.

"Brisbane in particular is a key market for us, where we currently operate 11 properties, as well as the Fraser Coast, where we acquired a new resort into our fold last year in Hervey Bay - we look forward to continued strength in these markets from domestic visitors as we progress into the year."

And when it comes to who will be travelling, it's the families and corporate clientele who are set to snap up the majority of hotel rooms across Oaks Hotels & Resorts' Australian network.

"Our customer base comprises all markets, but we're noticing a particular increase in the number of families choosing to stay with us, as well as business travellers who need a central city base, but in many cases, are also choosing to book end their visit with a day or two of leisure - reinforcing that 'bleisure' travel will again prevail in 2019."

Furthermore, a niche market segment that is continuing to make its mark on the travel landscape is the 'road-tripping tribes', also known as families who are choosing to swap the regular 9-5 for life on the road to seek a richer, more rewarding travel experience.

The serviced apartment sector felt strong gains from this market in 2018 and will continue to see an increase in family road trippers punctuating their travels with a stop off at family-friendly properties along the way in 2019.

"There is a strong demand from these families for affordable, self-contained accommodation in key stop-off points across Australia to break up lengthy expeditions, and we are pleased to be able to offer them a comfortable, convenient and self-contained home base in family-friendly destinations in most corners of the country," says Mr Hooley.

For more information please visit: https://www.oakshotels.com/

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 540 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com.

Lauren Falchi
Nmedia PR
+61 439 838 836
Minor