Press Release – House of Travel

April 2, 2012 – With school holidays just around the corner, House of Travel has released its Top 10 Destinations for Travelling with Children for 2012.HOT logo.jpg

House of Travel announces Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for Travelling with Kids

April 2, 2012 – With school holidays just around the corner, House of Travel has released its Top 10 Destinations for Travelling with Children for 2012.

The spots, in general, are dominated by tried and true favourites. But it is the growth in some of these destinations that has surprised commentators within the group. Australia, due to the sheer size of holiday makers and proximity, has been split into its respective states. Queensland however, still leads the top 10 as the most popular international destination for holidaying with children. Despite the high Australian dollar, it still represents an affordable accessible and desirable destination with a multitude of activities, attractions and eating options for all ages.

Fiji also remains in the top 5, though its popularity has declined somewhat. This is a consequence of parents choosing longer haul destinations in Asia, North America and Europe that now offer such great value due to new services and a strong currency.

The Europe and North America are proving to be the big movers in the Top 10. With the strength of the kiwi dollar, parents unperturbed with the long distance travel are embracing the opportunity to expand travel horizons in Europe and North America.

USA as a market has seen steady growth over the last few years, stimulated by a strengthening exchange rate. Great value, family-oriented deals by Air New Zealand over the last 12 months has stimulated demand. Air Pacific has also recently introduced promotional fares for children aged to 15 and under, making it even more cost effective for families travelling to the US. Room configurations in the US are also conducive to economical travelling for families. The twin double configuration (2 x double beds), makes for great value, with children often staying for free in existing bedding, and sometimes even eating for free.

“With the GFC and sluggish economic growth, we have seen some very sharp deals for accommodation and touring to the US. The ever popular theme parks and family based activities across California make it an exciting destination for the whole family, “ says Carmen White, Director of Product at House of Travel.

A new introduction into the Top 10 for 2012 is France. With the Euro being at its lowest point since the introduction of the common currency, New Zealanders are opting to provide a richer cultural experience for their families. The increase in Departure Taxes out of London, have also made it far more cost effective to travel out of Europe from an alternate gateway.

“There is so much art, culture and so many popular landmarks across France that it will not be difficult for families to be kept entertained,” comments Ms White. “And having EuroDisney just out of Paris is an added bonus.” The House of Travel Product team have also continued to see the growth in independent self drive touring by kiwis who are looking at more relaxed ways of experiencing the landscape and culture of France.

Samoa is the final big climber in the Top 10 for travelling with Children. Ever improving accommodation options are making Samoa an increasingly attractive alternative to Fiji. Though it is still not as popular as the Cook Islands, Samoa has seen significant increase in bookings via the House of Travel group. “We can only see Samoa improving as a popular holiday destination, as new room and air capacity comes online,” comments Ms White.

“Every parent wants to maximise those 20 special days off with their family and create memories that they will cherish for a life time. With promoting all family destinations, it is about keeping the 4 S’s in mind – Sun, Sand, Shopping and Sightseeing.”

House of Travel’s Top 10 Destinations for Travelling with Kids, 2012:

1- Queensland, Australia

2- Fiji

3- United Kingdom

4- United States

5- Cook Islands

6- New South Wales, Australia

7- Samoa

8- Thailand

9- Victoria, Australia

10- France

END

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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