Research by the largest holiday group in New South Wales, Reflections Holidays, shows that if the price of fuel tips $3 per litre, Australian travellers will consider changing their plans, with almost two thirds saying they will choose to holiday closer to home.
A survey conducted by Reflections on March 18 of almost 9000 of its members showed that less than five per cent were looking to delay their plans due to the current fuel situation.
The survey also found that if the fuel price shifts past $3 a litre, travellers will look to change their plans, with 62% saying they would change their booking to a destination closer to home or, if road tripping, reduce the number of destinations.
Comments from respondents in the survey included about their holiday sentiment included, “the only thing we might change is that we might holiday closer to home”, “We are now planning shorter breaks and less destinations”, “I’m travelling around Australia and staying longer in places to spread out the cost”, and “We are trying to reduce our fuel use to let farmers and others who need it have priority”.
The Reflections survey comes 24 hours after the holiday park group, which operates 40 holiday parks in New South Wales, announced it is offering its guests a $25 credit at all of its holiday parks to help travellers under the financial pump from rising fuel bills and cost of living pressures.
Reflections Chief Executive Officer Nick Baker said that Reflections, a certified social enterprise which reinvests profit back into its holiday parks, had launched its Fuel Offset Voucher Program – valid until April 30 – because it was well aware that Australians were concerned by the leap in fuel prices, and cost of living, and wanted to make a difference.
“We are happy to offer this fuel offset voucher to any of our guests who are staying for two nights or more at any of our parks, starting from today until April 30, and this applies to those guests who already have bookings or are considering booking in this period,” Mr Baker said.
“We hope this credit brings some peace of mind to our guests who have already booked over Easter or are weighing up whether to travel in April, because we know that they – like all of our team – are concerned by the rise in the cost of fuel, alongside general costs in living.”
“Family holidays are incredibly important to stay connected with each other and camping is still the most affordable way to get together and relax and get all the benefits of being outdoors and in nature.”
Mr Baker said that the Fuel Offset Voucher program was a first for the organisation.
“We are witnessing unique global circumstances which have impacted the travel plans of Australians, and this requires a unique approach from us as an industry leader,” he said.
Mr Baker said Reflections was privileged to operate holiday parks in some of the best locations in NSW, from coast to country, and prided itself on offering a suite of accommodation to suit every budget.
“Camping remains one of the most affordable holiday options – you can pitch a tent along the eastern seaboard or in one of our beautiful inland parks, book a range of cabins, from budget to premium, or indulge in our glamping precinct Wilderluxe at Lake Keepit,” he said.
The Fuel Offset Program will be applied from March 18 until April 30, with each Reflections guest receiving the $25 in their account in the first week of May. The Program is subject to standard terms and conditions, with a limit applied to one credit per booking guest in this period.
Mr Baker said that Reflections bookings were still operating under standard terms and conditions, and for many guests this allows cancellation up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
“We understand it’s a tricky time and if you’d like to chat about your booking, our team is always happy to help,” he said.
Media Release: Reflections Holidays
