Helm

Despite global conflict and rising costs, Australians and New Zealanders are still travelling. But where they’re choosing to go is shifting.

Helm’s latest AU & NZ Market Update reveals continued growth in outbound travel, alongside some significant changes in destination demand.

The standout? Asia.

Australians made 7.14 million trips to Asia in FY26, up 5.7%, while Asia was the fastest-growing region for New Zealand travellers, up 5.2%. Vietnam surged from both markets, alongside strong growth for Japan, China, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

Europe experienced a dip (down 1.9% from Australia and 4.7% from New Zealand) amid Middle East conflict affecting long-haul flight routes and traveller confidence. Rather than signalling a wholesale shift away from Europe, the FY26 figures need to be understood within this period of disruption.

The bigger shift is happening across the Pacific. Travel to the USA fell 8.9% from Australia and 17.6% from New Zealand, continuing a significant decline in appeal from both markets.

For destinations, that presents an opportunity. AU/NZ outbound travel continues to grow, Asia is taking an increasingly significant share, and Europe and Asia particularly have an opportunity to capture more travellers looking beyond the USA.

The map is shifting, and there’s market share up for grabs from high-spending Aussies and Kiwis. And we’re here to help capture this. 💫

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