New Zealand overtakes Bali as Australia’s most-popular international destination

New Zealand has overtaken Bali as the top international holiday destination for Australian travellers, according to a new survey.

Data released this week by the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia found 75 per cent of Australians are planning to take a holiday this summer.

Of those, 14 per cent will be going overseas, up from 6.5 per cent last year, with one in five headed across the ditch to New Zealand.

Europe was the second-most popular destination, followed by Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Indonesia, especially Bali, plays host to thousands of Australians every year but the survey found it was only the seventh-most popular international destination among the 2,000 participants.

Indonesia tied with the USA, Canada, China and Vietnam.

Interstate travel is also on the rise with 26 per cent planning to visit another state this summer compared to 18 per cent last year.

More than a third of Australians are opting to stay closer to home by holidaying within their own state. 

TTF Australia chief executive Margy Osmond applauded Australians for saving for well-earned getaways amid the cost of living crisis and rising interest rates.

More than half of respondents said the rise in the cost of living has impacted their holiday plans. 

‘Australians ranked travel and holidays as their number one priority when it comes to non-essential spending, showing just how important it is to enjoy a getaway with friends or family,’ Ms Osmond said. 

The Gold Coast was ranked as the top domestic holiday spot for Aussies.

The shocking drop in Bali’s popularity comes just months after the Indonesian Government announced it would crackdown on misbehaving tourists.

Among the new restrictions is a specialised tourist ‘taskforce’, an official tourist do’s and don’t’s list and a hotline to report visitors breaking rules.