BRISBANE, Australia, 13 November 2026: The Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index 2026, conducted by Ipsos, reveals that summer holiday travel demand across Australia and New Zealand remains resilient despite rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Travel intention is highest in New Zealand (64%), followed closely by Australia (58%). While a strong majority of travellers worry about rising travel costs (New Zealand: 82%; Australia: 81%), many still plan to travel, underscoring the importance of holidays for relaxing and recharging.
Travellers cut back, not out
Most travellers surveyed are concerned about rising travel costs but are finding ways to adapt. Many are reducing non-essential spending to afford travel (New Zealand: 71%; Australia: 70%). Similarly, a substantial share of Australian and New Zealand travellers will be scaling back their holiday plans but still intend to travel (Australia: 59%; New Zealand: 57%).
Taking an annual holiday is equally important to travellers in Australia (82%) and New Zealand (82%). Similar proportions say they desperately need a holiday (Australia: 79%; New Zealand: 76%). Rather than opting out, travellers are adjusting their behaviour.
Spending expectations nonetheless remain substantial. Anticipated average spending varies across markets, with Australia leading at AUD4,991 followed by New Zealand at AUD3,715 — the highest average anticipated spend among the five markets surveyed, which may reflect the greater distances typically involved in international travel from these markets. Despite these figures, Australian (65%) and New Zealand (74%) travellers do not intend to invest more in luxury travel experiences.
“What we’re seeing is that Australians and New Zealanders refuse to give up their summer holidays — they’re a non-negotiable,” said Allianz Partners Australia CEO Chris McHugh. “Rather than cancelling plans altogether, travellers are finding smart ways to make their trips work within tighter budgets, whether that’s cutting back on everyday spending, choosing destinations closer to home, or scaling back on luxury extras. The desire to recharge and reconnect is too strong to put on hold.”
Travellers look closer to home
With rising travel costs dominating travellers’ concerns, travel patterns show a preference for domestic travel in New Zealand (39%) and Australia (32%). This may reflect a shift among Australians and New Zealanders toward holiday travel within their home countries as a cost-conscious alternative.
Uncertainty and risks raise the stakes for travellers
Climate-related uncertainty is shaping travel decisions. Environmental risks, including extreme weather events, are a significant concern for travellers in Australia (59%) and New Zealand (56%). Most travellers are factoring these risks into their holiday planning (Australia: 69%; New Zealand: 67%).
Safety concerns related to crime, terrorism, theft or scams are also top of mind for Australian travellers (65%). Interestingly, New Zealand travellers are among the least concerned about safety risks of the five markets surveyed (52%), underscoring important differences in travel risk perception between the two countries.
Travel Insurance: Confidence amid uncertainty
Around 63% of Australian and 59% of New Zealand travellers surveyed have purchased or are likely to purchase travel insurance for their upcoming holiday. Travel insurance helps seasonal travellers protect themselves against unexpected risks and disruptions.
However, almost 30% of New Zealand travellers and just over 20% of Australian travellers plan to travel without insurance, possibly because they are travelling domestically or to countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements (such as between Australia and New Zealand).
Among those who choose to purchase travel insurance, motivations are consistent across markets: peace of mind is the top driver for Australians (87%) and New Zealanders (89%), along with protection against unforeseen disruptions (New Zealand: 90%; Australia: 88%).
Around 70% of Australian and New Zealand travellers buy travel insurance when they book or soon after, making protection against the unexpected a core part of the travel planning journey.
* Currency conversions to AUD were conducted using rates obtained by oanda.com as of 16 October 2026.
View the full Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index 2026 here: https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS2030189/Allianz-Partners-2026-GTCI-Report-Wave-2-Final.pdf?id=OA3065330&token=dUDiRxdguSNZ8pyf6e0ecRgohuis4VsOjutfw-PkGzKgm1k6e9JJem0NjDxUbw
(Source: Allianz Partners)
