Bali Aftermath Could Leave Kiwis In The Cold
New Zealanders contemplating a Pacific holiday in the sun next year could find themselves out-booked by Australians.
As a result of the Bali bombing, Australians and visitors from the Northern Hemisphere are now booking our favourite
destinations up to nine months ahead and the Overseas Tour Operators Committee (OTOC) is warning that if Kiwis don’t
book early, they’ll miss out.
OTOC says that unlike our overseas counterparts, Kiwis are notoriously last minute bookers, waiting for last minute
specials.
But this may not be possible in future. Many of the 300,000 Australians annually who visit Bali, have been quick to look
at and book alternatives.
Hotels in Queensland, Fiji and Vanuatu report a huge surge in bookings – Fiji’s popular Castaway Island for example is
already booked out in July next year.
OTOC says it is already harder to book holiday air travel for next year.
Following September 11, airlines drastically reduced their capacity. This has not been replaced – putting further
pressure on the tourism industry.
OTOC says it’s not trying to talk up the market. It says demand for sun holidays next winter is expected to be stronger
than ever.
However Kiwis wanting to travel somewhere for a holiday in the sun could find themselves very restricted for choice
unless they book well ahead.