kabarsula Summer holidays are non-negotiable for ANZ travellers despite rising costs bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Summer holiday travel demand across Australia and New Zealand remains resilient despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, new data reveals.

The Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index 2026, conducted by Ipsos, found that travel intention was highest in New Zealand (64 per cent), followed closely by Australia at 58 per cent.

While a strong majority of travellers express concern about rising travel costs – 82 per cent in New Zealand and 81 per cent in Australia – many still intend to travel, underscoring the importance of holidays to relax and recharge.

Travellers cut back, not out

Despite concerns about rising costs, most travellers surveyed are finding ways to adapt, rather than opting out of travel plans.

Taking an annual holiday is equally important to travellers across the ANZ region, and many are reducing non-essential spending to afford their trips (New Zealand: 71 per cent; Australia: 70 per cent).

Similarly, a substantial share of Australian (59 per cent) and New Zealand (57 per cent) travellers will be scaling back their holiday plans but still intend to travel.

Anticipated average spending varies across markets, with Australia leading at AU$4,991 followed by New Zealand at AU$3,715.

This represents the highest average anticipated spend among the five markets surveyed – Australia, Brazil, Japan, Canada and New Zealand – which Allianz Partners says may reflect the greater distances typically involved in international travel from these markets.

Despite these figures, 65 per cent of Australian and 74 per cent of New Zealand travellers do not intend to invest more in luxury travel experiences.

“What we’re seeing is that Australians and New Zealanders refuse to give up their summer holidays – they’re a non-negotiable,” said Allianz Partners Australia CEO Chris McHugh.

“Rather than cancelling plans altogether, travellers are finding smart ways to make their trips work within tighter budgets, whether that’s cutting back on everyday spending, choosing destinations closer to home, or scaling back on luxury extras. The desire to recharge and reconnect is simply too strong to put on hold.”

Looking closer to home

With rising travel costs dominating travellers’ concerns, travel patterns show a preference for domestic travel in New Zealand (39 per cent) and Australia (32 per cent).

This may reflect a shift among Australians and New Zealanders toward holiday travel within their home countries as a cost-conscious alternative.

Uncertainty and risks remain a concern

According to the survey, climate-related uncertainty is another factor shaping traveller decisions.

Environmental risks including extreme weather events are a significant concern for 59 per cent of travellers in Australia and 56 per cent of those in New Zealand, with most factoring these risks into their holiday planning (Australia: 69 per cent; New Zealand: 67 per cent).

Safety concerns related to crime, terrorism, theft or scams are also top of mind for 65 per cent of Aussies. Meanwhile, New Zealand travellers are among the least concerned about safety risks of the five markets surveyed at just 52 per cent.

Travel insurance

Around 63 per cent of Australian and 59 per cent of New Zealand travellers surveyed have or are likely to purchase travel insurance for their upcoming holiday.

“It’s encouraging to see that more than half of Australian and New Zealand travellers recognise the value of travel insurance, especially in a climate of rising uncertainty,” McHugh said.

“Our message is clear: wherever you’re headed this summer, having the right cover in place before you go means you can focus on enjoying the trip, not worrying about what could go wrong.”