Auckland Airport is urging agents to capitalise on new data which shows the Kiwi overseas experience (aka OE) in 2025 is more likely to be three months or less, with a much higher proportion of travellers over 40 years planning an OE.
The airport company surveyed 1000 Kiwis between 18 and 65 years and found that just 10% of those polled were heading off on their OE for more than a year.
“…what we found is that Kiwis now view an OE as more of an extended holiday; 70% of people [polled] said their OE intentional travel is for a duration of three months or less,” says AKL’s chief customer officer Scott Tasker. “And I really think that’s a nugget for travel agents because it’s no longer about selling a one-way ticket—there’s an opportunity for agents to fill that three months with all sorts of fantastic land products.”
At the same time AKL’s inaugural report into the ‘great overseas experience’ also found that an increasing number of Kiwis are heading off on an OE later in life. AKL says the data shows more than half were planning an adventure after they turn 40, while 20% of those aged 60 or older planned to head away on an extended break.
“Again, this research plays right into the hands of New Zealand travel agents,” says Tasker. “While that youth market making a three-month or so holiday may be a new opportunity [for consultants], there’s also a real opportunity for agents to look at the destinations Kiwis are planning to head to and target their offering in line with [the report’s findings].” And while cashed up babyboomers are among those planning a new-age OE, the AKL research also showed that the OE concept still remains a rite of passage for young Kiwis. Some 65% of those in their 20s polled intend to head off on an OE before they turn 30, adds Tasker.
. . . Nostalgic?
AKL has also unveiled a new outdoor exhibition, next to the transport hub, which highlights milestones in both air travel from the airport as well as stories from Kiwi travellers heading off on their OE. See Fri’s issue for more.
