Research by Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific highlights many Australians are opting for more intrastate travel

Research conducted by an international hotel group found many Australians are opting for more intrastate travel and road trips this year. Conducted by Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific, the Our Year of the Long Weekend research highlighted the number of Australians planning intrastate trips was high, with fewer than 20 per cent of people feeling confident to book interstate travel. Comfort Inn and Suites Karratha manager Violet Houkamau said they had noticed an increase in number of intrastate visitors who are opting to holiday closer to home. “We’re noticing a lot of visitors booking a quick getaway for the importance of their mental wellbeing, people need that mental reset to unwind and recharge,” she said. “It's very promising knowing that long weekends and short breaks are top of the holiday agenda as we navigate the tail end of the pandemic.” She said the trend demonstrated WA locals love the comfort of their own homes. Choice Hotels strategy, sales and marketing senior director Kari Hunter said the trend was especially highlighted in WA, with only 38 percent of WA residents planning an interstate holiday.