That’s despite the rise of TikTok travel inspo and AI trip planners, according to new research from travel insurer PassportCard Australia.
Their study shows the 39 per cent of Aussies booking with an agent is more than double the number using TikTok (15%) or AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini (14%).
The company claim this proves that experience, trust and personal advice still matter when we are booking our travel.
“While tools like TikTok and AI are shaking up the industry, our data shows Aussies still value the reassurance and expertise that comes from speaking to a real person,” said Peter Klemt, CEO of PassportCard Australia.
“It’s clear that even in a world of TikTok travel hacks and AI-generated itineraries, personalised support and advice from a travel agent is still a big part of how Australians plan and book their holidays.”
When it comes to planning holidays more broadly, Aussies are blending digital tools with more traditional methods.
The most popular channels include Google search (67%), followed by online travel agencies (59%), direct airline or hotel websites (56%) and travel agents (39%), showing that agents continue to maintain their relevance in an increasingly digital world.
The same research revealed that with Labubu fever sweeping the nation and some reselling for almost $1,000, nearly one in four Australians (22%) say they’d take out travel insurance to protect the viral charm before heading overseas.
That number jumps to almost one in three (30%) among Millennials and Gen Z, with one in five young travellers believing Labubus will be a target for thieves across Europe this summer.
“It might seem ridiculous to insure a toy but it speaks volumes about how emotionally invested people are in what they pack,” added Mr Klemt.
