Why this 'easy' but retro style of holidaying is seeing a revival
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In the latest sign that Aussie travellers are reverting to habits once thought consigned to the past, an airline is launching package holidays.
Virgin Australia canned its packages during the pandemic but is now reintroducing them.
It says research conducted with YouGov reveals Aussies want holidays that are easy to book.
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In the latest sign Aussie travellers are reverting back to habits once thought consigned to the past, an airline is launching package holidays. Getty
"50 per cent of surveyed Australians say they're looking for simpler and more time-efficient ways to plan their holidays," it says.
Offers on holidays include Bali with flights from Sydney and four nights accommodation from $845.
Cairns is also on offer for those looking for a sunny break in Australia.
"With more Australians seeking value and convenience, we're bringing together flights, accommodation and Velocity benefits in one seamless booking experience," Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, said.
Virgin Australia is going up against low-cost airline competitor Jetstar, which also offers holidays.
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Booking online has become common for holidays. Getty
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, said package holidays are one of the fastest-growing segments of the nation's industry and one they're keen to see grow.
"More Australians are travelling than ever before, and demand for packaged products is surging as evidenced by the remarkable growth we've seen from operators like TripADeal and now Virgin Australia's entry into this space," he tells nine.com.au
"When travellers choose tours and packages, they're more likely to have a high-quality, safe experience and critically, one that is sustainable for the local communities they visit."
Package holidays actually started in 1841 in the UK when Thomas Cook - which later became a big brand in the UK - started a local train trip in Leicestershire.
He later expanded to trips to Europe and around the world.
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You can now book a package holiday to Cairns with Virgin Australia. Getty
It's just the latest holiday blast from the past seeing a return to favour.
Travel agent shops are also being revived.
While they used to be a high street staple, most closed as travellers started using the internet.
But they're opening again as holidaymakers seek expert advice.
Luxury Escapes has unveiled its second store at Westfield Bondi. Supplied
Luxury Escapes' new shop has a Champagne bar while many other agents work virtually for clients around the country.
Co-founder and CEO Adam Schwab said he wanted to offer "the ease and convenience of digital and the magic of real person expertise and experience."
Tripadvisor's Head of AsiaPacific Scott Wegener also declared that some generations in particular are being bombarded with so much travel inspiration on social media that it's becoming "overwhelming and confusing."
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Instead millennial travellers - that's people in their 30s and 40s - are looking for human input
However, last year 70 per cent of travel bookings globally were still made online, Statista found.
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