Booking.com: Press

The borders are open! We wanted to listen to big ideas about blockchain and have a fun holiday at the same time. The Bitcoin 22 crypto conference was being held in Miami, so we booked our tickets and tacked on a few days beforehand to explore the Florida Keys. After booking the gorgeous Betsy Hotel for a week in Miami, we decided to go where the tropical breeze took us in the Keys, thanks to booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy, an essential in Covid times. Each morning we’d flick through the local hotels on the app, check out the reviews and photos and then book the accommodation. It was super-easy and we found some great deals.

For the ultimate fun in the sun head to Florida, where the party never stops and the sun always shines. For the past two years, we’d been using the booking.com app as it has a very flexible cancellation policy (looking at you, Covid), so that’s where we headed to check out hotels in Miami South Beach. There are masses of photos and reviews, which gives you lots of confidence to book somewhere perfect.

When it came to 'why', the study from online travel company Booking.com found over half of Kiwis wanted to see family (53 per cent), 47 per cent want to 'get away' and 27 per cent were rebooking a trip they had postponed due to Covid.

Jenny Rudd of Aim Sure Group shares her experience during her trip to the biggest Bitcoin 2022 Conference in the world. In April, 25,000 Bitcoin maximalists came together in Miami for Bitcoin 22. Investors Jenny Rudd and Mat Tomlinson went along to find out what’s happening at the forefront of financial digital technology.

Many Kiwis are desperate to get away and reunite with family overseas but are nervous about the high costs and risk of getting stuck by border restrictions according to a new study. International borders have almost entirely opened, pre-departure tests have been scrapped and it's no surprise Kiwis are keen to hop on a plane and travel the world again

Booking.com’s inaugural APAC Travel Confidence Index reveals the majority (79%) of Kiwis are likely to travel in the next 12 months More than half (53%) are travelling to reunite with family but many (47%) are concerned about the cost to do so within the current climate In New Zealand only one in ten (10%) indicated that work was a reason for them to book a trip indicating a slower revitalisation in corporate vs leisure travel New research released today from Booking.com, the world’s leading online travel company, shows Kiwis are eager to reunite with family as pandemic travel restrictions have finally eased, however the cost to do so may be standing in the way. After more than two years stuck on the shores of Aotearoa, Kiwis are finally able to venture further afield following the easing of travel restrictions earlier this year. For more than half (53%) of New Zealander’s long-awaited family reunions are the driving force behind wanting to dust off the passport yet, it seems that from our far-flung corner of the Pacific, the price of travel will be a huge influence on plans. For the majority of New Zealanders (71%) cost is the greatest consideration when it comes to post-pandemic travel, much higher than the average for almost half (47%), of all travellers in Asia-Pacific. The insights have been drawn from Booking.com’s inaugural APAC Travel Confidence Index, which provides a snapshot of how confident consumers feel about exploring the world again and their motivation to travel.

With international borders largely open again the majority of Kiwis are keen to travel abroad - but many remain concerned about the cost and potential impact of doing so. New research from Booking.com, which competes with the likes of Airbnb, Bookabach and Expedia to help New Zealanders book travel and accommodation, shows nearly four out of five in the country are ready to head overseas in the next 12 months. More than half want to do so to reunite with family, but cost remains a huge issue for 71 percent of Aotearoa's post-pandemic travellers. The insights came from the just-released APAC Travel Confidence Index, which provides a snapshot of how confident consumers feel about exploring the world again and their motivation to travel.

Cost, safety and convenience are the top three considerations for Kiwis looking to book international travel in the next year, according to a new Booking.com analysis. The OTA’s inaugural APAC Travel Confidence Index released today showed New Zealanders are keen to travel, particularly to reunite with family, with cost being the biggest impediment. “For the majority of New Zealanders, 71%, cost is the greatest consideration when it comes to post-pandemic travel, much higher than the average for almost half, 47%, of all travellers in Asia-Pacific,” Booking.com said. The research polled 11,000 travellers from 11 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, including more than 1000 from New Zealand between April and May 2022, as well using Booking.com’s proprietary insights, and showed 79% of Kiwis are likely to travel in the next 12 months. “More than half of respondents, 53%, are travelling to reunite with family but many, 47%, are concerned about the cost to do so within the current climate,” Booking.com said. “In New Zealand, only one in ten, 10%, indicated that work was a reason for them to book a trip indicating a slower revitalisation in corporate vs leisure travel.” The OTA said its new index showed how overall comfort levels, motivators and concerns of consumers across Asia Pacific varied. “Across the 11 countries polled, India emerged most confident with a clear majority, 86%, of Indian travellers stating they intend to travel in the next 12 months, followed closely by Vietnam and China,” Booking.com said. “New Zealand comes in fourth place, unsurprisingly with 79% of Kiwis intending to travel within the next year.” For Kiwis, the top three motivators for travel are visiting family, 53%, getting away at 47%, and rebooking a pre-Covid trip, 26%. However, ongoing Covid uncertainty generated the most concern. Almost half of Kiwis, 48%, were concerned with the possibility of getting stuck because of frequently changing border regulations, followed by close to half, and more than a third, 35%, worried at the prospect of having to cancel bookings at the last minute because of border restrictions. When it came to reopening borders and welcoming international visitors, most New Zealanders, 82%, were comfortable or neutral, with confidence high on the readiness of the country to receive foreign travellers. “It’s truly been heart-warming and exciting to see travel in New Zealand returning with the easing of most border restrictions,” said Tracey Foxall, regional manager for Oceania at Booking.com. “This has reinvigorated not just consumers, but the travel industry overall.”

After more than two years of silence in the fields, festivals are BACK with a bang. Clearly determined to remind festival-goers what they have been missing, these events are jam-packed with some of the world’s biggest and best artists, comedians and stars. With 37% of Kiwi travellers saying entertainment and nightlife are key factors in their destination decisions in a booking.com survey, we’ve found the six most anticipated music and arts festivals of 2022 for travellers looking to get into the groove abroad. From the historic cobble- stoned streets of Edinburgh to the sexy South American city of Santiago, Kiwi travellers can gather their tribe, grab the glitter and sunscreen and enjoy unmissable live acts, entertainment and accommodation – and make some unforgettable memories.

Kiwis are eager to reunite with family as pandemic travel restrictions have finally eased, however the cost to do so may be standing in the way. New research released from Booking.com indicates Kiwis are eager to reunite with family as pandemic travel restrictions have finally eased, however the cost to do so is an obstacle for many. After more than two years stuck on-shore, Kiwis are finally able to venture further afield following the easing of travel restrictions earlier this year. For more than half (53%) of New Zealander’s long-awaited family reunions are the driving force behind wanting to dust off the passport yet, it seems that from our far-flung corner of the Pacific, the price of travel will be a huge influence on plans.

When looking for hotels, location, comfort and cost are at the top the list of the list for us. But when you‘re a lover of interior design, and in the age of grammable travel, aesthetics are a big draw card. If you are looking for a staycation as beautiful as it is relaxing, from eclectic charm to chic comfort, Booking.com has taken out the guesswork. Here style director Louise Hilsz shares five of New Zealand’s most uniquely incredible hotel interiors from the North to the deep South.

As the days get chillier and we cosy up by the fire in our winter woolies, it can be difficult not to daydream about sun kissed beaches and warm summer breezes. Blessed with endless days of glowing sunshine and balmy temperatures, travelling to the Cook Islands is a sizzling temptation for Kiwis this winter as summer is just a short flight away! If you’ve caught the case of the winter blues and are in need of an uplift, research from Booking.com reveals that getting away on holiday is said to be the form of self-care in 2022 (more so than daily exercise or mindful meditation!) with over three-quarters of people (79%) affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation. Here are Booking.com’s top Rarotonga destinations for the ultimate tropical getaway.

Red, white, rosé or sparkling…a good glass of wine is a beverage to savour, but there’s something extra-special about sipping it in the sun against a backdrop of sweeping vineyards. With more than a quarter (30% to be precise) of Kiwi travellers saying they’d like to do a wine tour on their next holiday,* we’ve found the six BEST properties you can stay at for your wine lovers holiday that’ll let you fully immerse yourself in the experience – whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a complete novice.

Looking for your next getaway? Hawke’s Bay offers a wealth of hospitality treasures, as Sarah Tuck discovers. It had been years since I’d spent any time roaming the beautiful part of the country that is Hawke’s Bay. With just three days to explore, I got on the hotline to Drinks Editor Yvonne Lorkin for her tips, then armed with her recommendations, and those of friends and family, I set out to sample a range of accommodation, bites, sips and general good times. Here I bring you a selection of my discoveries, including my absolute favourites!

Nothing beats warm baths, cleanses, massages and tranquil music to help you feel replenished, body and soul. According to Booking.com’s 2022 Travel Predictions, more so than daily exercise or mindful meditation, getting away on holiday is the form of self-care this year, with over three-quarters of people (79 per cent) affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation.

With border restrictions easing, Kiwis are keen to get back out into the world and, while travel is important, it can come at a cost to our planet and its people. Travel is currently top of mind to many Kiwi's who say sustainable travel is also important to them. Booking.com has collated thousands of sustainable property options, making it easier to stay at places looking out for the environment while travelling to the destinations of your dreams

With research showing that more and more travellers are looking for holidays where they can mentally unwind, we share serene escapes to inspire your next international getaway. After a couple tough years, its clear that people around the world are eager to begin travelling again, with many searching for those ‘bucket-list’ experiences where they can also rest and relax. In fact, according to new research* by Booking.com, over three-quarters of Kiwi travellers say they want to mentally unwind on holiday to boost their mood. From a boutique wellness resort nestled in the Italian alps, to a tropical Thailand oasis, discover these 6 luxury resorts around the world to inspire your next escape.

After the slew of long weekends to kick off the year, Queen’s Birthday is a silver lining of the otherwise wintery clouds across Aotearoa come June. If you’re looking to embrace the chill by exploring local hotspots in our own backyard or jet-set across international waters to chase some sun, it’s the perfect opportunity for a break away – so why not make it one fit for royalty?

With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, and in turn, make it easier for everyone to find more sustainable travel options, Booking.com recently launched its Travel Sustainable badge. It importantly recognises the impactful efforts properties worldwide are making to help protect the planet and contribute positively to their local communities. Together with a Travel Sustainable filter that travellers can use to hone in on more mindful stays from the start of their trip planning experience, the badge provides a consistent way to identify a wide range of more sustainable stays around the world.

With World Ocean Day just around the corner, Booking.com has compiled a list of sensational stays with breathtaking sea views that offer both luxury and sustainability to the eco-conscious traveller. To showcase Earth’s beautiful oceans, Booking.com is sharing six incredible stays across the globe where sustainable efforts and stunning ocean views come together for the ultimate eco holiday destination. Besides offering breathtaking ocean views, these properties also have a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge, meaning the properties have taken significant steps to operate sustainably, reduce their impact on the environment and engage more responsibly with the local community.

Travalyst, the recently launched eco-travel campaign led by Prince Harry, is part of a move from the travel industry to better cater to eco-conscious travellers.

With travel restrictions lifting, people are eager to get back out and experience the world again – but with exploring comes the inevitable impact on the environment. Keen to pack more mindfully for your next adventure and embrace sustainable travel? Read on!

As the gateway to the South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch attracts visitors of all types and it's not hard to see why. The hospitality scene here is one to watch—already impressive, it's only getting better with new opens galore. Alongside amazing food and drink, the Garden City is blessed with some of the country’s best hotels, and we've put together a list of our faves so you can have an A+ Christchurch getaway whether you're travelling in luxury or you're on a budget.

Jenny Rudd stayed at the Betsy Hotel in South Beach Miami as a guest of Booking.com