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Overseas travel is officially back, with RAA Travel data showing international bookings have overtaken domestic for the first time since the pandemic.
In December 2022, international holidays represented 56 per cent of bookings through RAA Travel – the first month overseas bookings have outstripped domestic since COVID-19 restrictions began.
RAA General Manager of Travel and Distribution, Gina Norman, said South Australians were once again choosing to flock to the skies and holiday overseas.
South Australian travellers are gearing up for one of our biggest travel booms since COVID, with more passengers now jetting-off overseas, rather than holidaying within Australia. @KellyCHughes_ #9News pic.twitter.com/rh5b9E6jQC
— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) February 13, 2023
“Demand for overseas holidays is booming, and at RAA Travel we don’t see that slowing down any time soon.”
“We’re finding that more and more of our customers are regaining the confidence to travel overseas for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak.
“At the start of 2022 overseas holidays only represented about 20 per cent of total bookings through RAA Travel but throughout last year we saw that almost triple with a big shift back towards international travel.”
Newly married couple from Adelaide, Tori Comacchio and Talyn Simms, both 28, recently spent their honeymoon in Koh Samui in Thailand, and are also in the process of booking a Europe trip for later in the year.
“We always wanted to travel internationally but obviously haven’t had the chance in the last few years with Covid restrictions,” Ms Comacchio said.
“Going overseas meant we could experience a new culture, try authentic food and fill our days with exciting activities.
“Now that restrictions have eased around the world we have decided that 2023 will be our year of travel.”
The RAA Travel data shows that UK/Europe was the top international destination of choice for travellers, followed by South East Asia, New Zealand.
| Ranking | International destination | Domestic destination |
| 1 | UK/Europe | Queensland (Gold Coast and Nth QLD) |
| 2 | South East Asia | Melbourne |
| 3 | New Zealand | Tasmania |
| 4 | North America | Sydney |
| 5 | South West Pacific | Northern Territory |
Gina urged holidaymakers to plan ahead to avoid missing out on their dream holiday.
“Flights are already heavily booked in 2023 for some of the most popular travel destinations.
“We’re encouraging holidaymakers to hop on to the RAA Travel website, or contact one of our travel advisors, and start planning their 2023 overseas vacation as soon as possible.”