Booking.com research reveals the importance of cricket in Aussies summer holiday experience

With travel restrictions continuing to ease across Australia and New Zealand this summer, new research from Booking.com, the official Accommodation Booking Partner of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, has revealed some interesting data surrounding the importance of cricket to Aussies, Kiwis, and their summer holidays.

Conducted with over 1,600 ANZ sporting fans, the research not only reveals the attitude towards cricket and travel but the traditional Trans-Tasman, England and India rivalries that play a part in the love and celebration of the sport.

Data highlights: 

• Over two thirds of Aussie sport fans (64%) agree that cricket is something they look forward to doing the most in their summer holidays
• Plus, 81% of respondents in both Australia and New Zealand agree that playing cricket is a quintessential part of their summer holiday experience - for some even more important than finally catching up with mates for a post-lockdown BBQ.
• Almost half (44%) of Aussie sport fans are likely to take unpaid leave from office to watch a live match, as well as 35% who would cancel a romantic date with a partner to do the same. 
• The love for the game will also see us travel again in 2022. 62% Aussies say that they would travel with their family to watch a cricket World Cup match. 

Infographics can be found here. 

To witness first hand just how deep cricket rivalries run, Booking.com pitted a former Australian and New Zealand cricketer against each other. Mitchell Johnson and Ross Taylor were put to the test, uncovering some questionable truths from both parties. Check out Booking.com’s Cricket Rivals here. 

Eager to get back to enjoying the great outdoors, the fresh air and some particularly summery sports, we have put together a list of the top Aussie stays to get you close to all the cricket action this summer. 

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Top Aussie cricket destinations to travel to this Summer 

1. 381 Cremorne, Cremore, VIC

The 381 Cremorne Apartments is located less than a kilometre away from the world famous and prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne’s Olympic Park, a sporting precinct. Local tram stops and the Richmond Train Station are also all less than 3 minutes walk away, offering easy access to the Melbourne CBD and surroundings. 

2. The Playford Adelaide - MGallery by Sofitel, Adelaide, SA

Situated in the heart of Adelaide, The Playford MGallery by Sofitel, is an award-winning 5-star boutique hotel. The Playford is only a 10-minute walk to Adelaide Oval, one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world and the local shopping area of Rundle Mall is just 450 m away. The vibrant streets of the West End, filled with bars and restaurants, are only around the corner and the tram to the beachside suburb of Glenelg departs from outside the hotel.

3. Mrs Banks Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Mrs Banks Hotel is situated in the vibrant Sydney suburb, Paddington, and is on the doorstep of hallowed turf, one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious public sporting stadiums, the Sydney Cricket Ground. Circular Quay is also 3.2 km from Mrs Banks Hotel, while Sydney Opera House is 3.4 km away. 

4. Abode Kingston, Kingston, ACT 

When cricket comes to the ACT, the humble Manuka Oval, comes to life. Manuka Oval is located less than a kilometre away from the Abode Kingston and other prominent ACT attractions are conveniently close too, including Parliament House just 3.1 km away and 3.8 km away from the Australian War Memorial. Manuka is home to the PM's XI, an invitational cricket team picked by the Prime Minister of Australia for an annual match against an overseas touring team.

5. Kennigo Hotel Brisbane, Spring Hill, QLD

Kennigo Hotel Brisbane is situated in the historic suburb of Spring Hill, just 2 km from the heart of the CBD and less than a 10 minute drive from the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the GABBA. With the hotel’s fully equipped gym, guests can start their day off right, before venturing out and exploring the city at their doorstep. 

6. COMO The Treasury, Perth, WA

Set in stunning buildings from the mid-19th Century, COMO The Treasury is conveniently located in the Perth CBD and less than 2km from the WACA. Rooms are beautifully decorated in tones of cream and beige, with modern styling. The complimentary mini bar is restocked daily. Other features include a flat-screen TV and a luxurious bathroom with bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

7. Berida Hotel, Bowral, NSW

While not a live cricket match destination, you can't miss Bowral as the ultimate cricket destination. The quaint, Southern Highlands town is home to the famous heritage listed Bradman Oval, The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. Bowral is just 1.5 hours from Sydney and the Berida Hotel is located less than a 10 minute walk from the ultimate cricket experience. The hotel features 42 stylish, luxurious guest rooms as well as conference facilities, an indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, tennis court and a day spa.