Expedia records triple-digit bookings growth for Fiji over past Christmas period

Fiji was by far the favourite international Christmas holiday destination of Kiwi travellers this past Christmas holiday season, according to booking data* from online travel company Expedia.co.nz.

Fiji topped the list of international destinations recording the highest growth in terms of flight bookings, growing 124% year-on-year over the same period in 2009, while it also recorded the highest number of transactions for accommodation in an international destination for the same period. Fiji was also the number one holiday package destination. Read more

Latest Expedia Foreign Exchange Index reveals the top ten destinations where the New Zealand Dollar goes furthest

As the New Zealand Dollar soars to record highs against some of the world’s major currencies, leading New Zealand travel website Expedia.co.nz (owned by Expedia, the world’s largest online travel company), in conjunction with foreign currency specialists Currency Online, has released its latest Expedia® Foreign Exchange Index, revealing the top ten destinations around the world where New Zealand travellers will get the best value for their money. The verdict is clear: with nine out of the ten currencies being from Europe, Europe is currently the undisputed Kiwi Dollar holiday hotspot! Read more

One in five Gen Y Kiwis complain in order to score an upgrade on a flight or hotel room

New research from Expedia.co.nz^TM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, has found that Generation Y Kiwis are most likely to complain in order to land themselves a free upgrade on a flight or in a hotel.

The survey*, conducted among 500 New Zealanders, revealed that almost a fifth (18 per cent) of New Zealanders aged between 18-24 were willing to complain about nearby guests/passengers, the food, or quality of service to score a flight or hotel upgrade, double the national average of 9 per cent.

As part of their bag of tricks, two per cent of Gen Ys also admit to posing as business travellers to secure a free upgrade. Read more

Expedia.co.nz research reveals January is ‘Holiday Hope Month’ for Kiwi travellers

With the year barely a few weeks old, almost half of Kiwis are already planning their next holiday, just as they head back to work after the Christmas break. This is according to new research from Expedia.co.nz^TM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s leading online travel company.

January has emerged as ‘Holiday Hope Month’, with 42% of Kiwis beginning to plan their holidays for the coming year during this month as they leave the Christmas and New Year memories behind. Read more

The second annual global Best Tourist Survey, conducted by leading online travel company Expedia®, has ranked Kiwis as the sixth most stingy tourists among the 27 nationalities surveyed. However, Kiwis managed to fare better overall, ranking 14^th as the world’s Best Tourists. They also performed well in the politeness stakes and for being sparing in their complaints (10^th place and 9^th place respectively).  

Around 4,500 hoteliers across the globe provided their opinions on the best travellers overall, as well as on specific categories including behaviour, spending habits, fashion sense and willingness to try and speak the local language. Read more