Workers encouraged to take an Australia Day long weekend holiday

The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) is encouraging Australians to tap into their massive bank of national annual leave to turn Australia Day into a long weekend holiday getaway.

According to Roy Morgan Research, Australians have 123.5 million days in accrued annual leave – that’s an average of 15 days per full-time working Australian.

This year Australia Day falls on a Tuesday (26th January), which means using an annual leave day on Monday (25th January) could allow Australians to create a four day long weekend.

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond explained “there is nothing more Australian than taking a summer holiday and yet many of us have been hoarding our time off work to the point where we now have over 123.5 million days in accrued annual leave.

“The TTF summer consumer survey revealed that besides the designated public holidays, 50% of Australians don’t intend to take a break over the summer months.

“There is still time to take a much needed break to recharge the batteries before 2016 really kicks in and we’ve got to get back to the grindstone for another year.

“It doesn’t have to be an expensive five-star international holiday, a long weekend is a great opportunity to explore the beauty and wonder of our diverse continent at a cost that is affordable for families.

“An Australia Day long weekend getaway can come in all shapes and sizes from packing up the car and spending a few days in the regions to flying to the other side of Australia to explore the offerings of another capital city.

“If you are thinking about getting away for a few days, our survey shows that three to five nights away is the most popular (28.3%), followed by six to 10 nights (21.7%), one to two nights (16.2%) and a lengthy 11 to 15 nights (10.0%).

“Australians living in WA (34.3%), SA (35.7%) and VIC (34.3%) like short trips of one to two nights while NSW (34.5%), QLD (30.1%) and TAS (41.2%) prefer three to five nights away.

“The cost of travel (81.3%), accommodation (65.2%) and living expenses (51.3%) are the highest influences on deciding on a holiday destination followed by what there is to see and do (49.3%) and the ease of getting there (43.7%).”

A 2009 Federal Government campaign, ‘No Leave No Life’, reminded both employers and employees about the importance of taking annual leave and having a break. The campaign was criticised by then Shadow Minister for Tourism, Bob Baldwin, who stated "it doesn't make sense for the Government to be using taxpayer dollars to encourage people to take leave, only to see them go overseas." 

Image: Beach cricket on Australia Day. Courtesy of Shaws Bay Holiday Park, East Ballina.

7th December 2015 - PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION REPORT A BARRIER FOR TOURISM

19th January 2015 - ADELAIDE RESIDENTS AUSTRALIA’S MOST REGULAR BEACHGOERS

9th November 2010 - ‘NO LEAVE, NO LIFE’ MAKES NO SENSE

2nd April 2009 - AUSTRALIANS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THEIR LEAVE

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.