New Research finds West Aussies prefer to holiday in WA

New YouGov research commissioned by Airbnb shows West Aussies have grown increasingly passionate about the place they call home – preferring to travel within their own state even when given the choice of holidaying anywhere. 

As many as 54% of West Aussies surveyed said they would rather travel within WA borders over the next year, while only 40% want to travel interstate and even less (30%) said they were keen for an international trip. 

It comes as Airbnb joins forces with dual Brownlow medallist and Fremantle Docker, Nat Fyfe, and breakout Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Peter Bol, to encourage West Aussies to explore their favourite corners of the state.

The WA Travel Insiders campaign is aimed at promoting Western Australia’s best travel destinations, their natural beauty, and the people, places and businesses that are part of the fabric of the local economy.

Both proud West Aussies, Nat and Peter will showcase their travel guides and tips for trips to Margaret River & Busselton, and Broome, respectively, staying in Airbnb listings and meeting some of the locals running small businesses in these regions.

Those surveyed who intend to travel within Western Australia said Margaret River and Busselton (67%), Albany (41%), and Broome (39%) were the top three destinations they wanted to visit.

Interestingly, two thirds of respondents (59%) said short term rental accommodation like Airbnb enabled them to visit places and ‘feel like a local’ while 70% said that one of the benefits of hosted travel was discovering new places, based on the recommendations of Hosts.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with Nat and Peter – two wonderful West Aussies and avid travellers – to really showcase the best of WA and all the hidden gems and local secrets you get exposed to when you stay with a Host on Airbnb. Hosts on Airbnb are so passionate about the patch they call home, sure to point guests in the direction of the best local gems and small businesses to support. The beauty of this campaign is that anyone can follow in Nat and Peter’s footsteps and experience the itineraries they’ve created on our site.

“WA Hosts are everyday people who are proud of their communities and play a big role in showcasing them. So whether it’s an apartment for an inner-city staycation, a converted shearer’s quarters, beach house, tiny home, eco-lodge, or architectural marvel for a big family getaway, there is an incredible mix of Airbnb listings for everyone to explore every corner of Western Australia in a way that is unique and personal, and with locals at the core.”

During their own personal trips, Nat and Peter enjoyed some much needed rest and relaxation after a long season for the duo on the road. For Nat, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, personal time in his home state is vital for his rehabilitation after two extraordinary years playing in an interrupted and often relocated AFL competition.

For Peter, the off-season has allowed him to reflect on his own personal athletic achievements in 2021, after making Australia proud as the first Aussie to make the final of the men’s 800m track event in 53 years, finishing an incredible 4th.

Nat Fyfe, Fremantle’s Aussie Rules superstar, said: “Time off away with friends and family is so precious to me, and I just love heading down to Margaret River with a few surfboards, heading out into the water, and enjoying the unique and beautiful accommodation in the area that makes me feel at home when I’m not.”

“Our state is so big, and it’s hard to comprehend how diverse and beautiful it actually is, and I love doing my part to support local towns and businesses, but especially meeting the people behind them.”

Peter Bol, Australian Olympian, said: “Travelling the world is incredible, but there is nothing quite like exploring my own backyard. Coming to Western Australia everything was new and beautiful to me, and the people were a key part of that discovery, so when I travel I look for ways that make it easier for my family and friends, as well as making me feel like I am part of the community in which I am visiting.”

“Broome is such a welcoming place, and there is certainly plenty of beach to explore on a long training run, which makes travel, and keeping in shape easy.”

The campaign will be supported by bespoke travel itineraries from Nat and Peter, as well as an insider’s guide to Perth from a local Airbnb superhost.

You can follow Nat and Peter’s trips on Instagram, and visit the WA Travel Insiders webpage here > airbnb.com/watravelinsiders 

Key findings from YouGov in WA

54% of West Aussies surveyed said they would rather travel within WA borders over the next year, while only 40% want to travel interstate and even less (30%) said they were keen for an international trip. 

Those who intend to travel within Western Australia said Margaret River and Busselton (67%), Albany (41%), and Broome (39%) were the top three destinations they wanted to visit.

Two- thirds of respondents (59%) said short term rental accommodation like Airbnb enabled them to visit places and ‘feel like a local’ while 70% said that one of the benefits of hosted travel was discovering new places, based on the recommendations of Hosts.