Writing for Aussie news website the Age, travel writer Diana Plater suggested that new figures revealing growing numbers of visits to Victoria, rather than Queensland, prove holiday habits have changed.
Data released by Tourism Research Australia, shows while New South Wales still tops the list with 7.2 million visitors, Victoria takes second place with 5.4 million, beating Queensland with 5.1 million.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council head Anthony McIntosh told the news source the downturn has had an impact on tastes: "The offer of big events, cultural events, retail, food and wine is considered more attractive than stuff like theme parks, Big Pineapples and gee-whizzy type of stuff."
He added that the state's 20-year marketing campaign promoting big events, shops, wineries and culture has finally paid off.
Meanwhile, UK backpackers are choosing Australia and New Zealand for their gap years as they seem safe and feel familiar, compared to more exotic destinations, according to travel firm Gapforce.
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