Stronger NZ dollar buys great travel deals

Kiwis show greater interest in overseas travel, amidst a recovering economy

Travel Insurance News - 28/09/2009

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More and more Kiwi travellers are adding overseas destinations to their travel itineraries this year, encouraged by the strengthening of the New Zealand dollar.

Kiwis are finding that their currency stretches a lot farther this year, a fact that is nicely complemented by falling airfares and room rates in many destinations. Slashed room rates for London hotels are certainly proving appealing, and travel agents say New Zealanders are showing increased interest in travelling to the UK and the rest of Europe. The UK, and London in particular, have been traditionally popular holiday destinations among the Kiwis.

In the last couple of years, the global trend to cut back on travel spending has been just as prevalent in New Zealand, with many fearing, like people in most countries, that the recession would lead to severe job cuts. However, in the last two months, increased confidence in the prospect of economic recovery has led to growing demand in the travel markets.

More travellers have made trips to destinations like Thailand, Fiji and Australia since July this year, than compared with the same period last year.

Travel agents are hoping that the growing interest in the UK and European markets is a sign of a major recovery in New Zealand's outbound travel sector. With the NZ dollar buying much more than it did last year, it is hoped that the increased enthusiasm will translate into even more travel during October, which is traditionally a popular time for New Zealanders to head to Europe and the UK.

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