Aussie city declared Sydney ‘destination dupe’

Is this city the perfect dupe for Sydney? Interest is soaring with global flight searches having more than doubled this year.

Expedia has declared Perth a perfect “destination dupe” for Sydney.

The online travel giant has named 10 places across the world that are “a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, and every bit as delightful” as popular destinations as its 2024 destination dupes.

“The ‘dupe’ trend — of affordable alternatives to popular products — that has flooded TikTok feeds is now taking over travel,” Expedia brands managing director Daniel Finch told news.com.au.

“Perth is a great dupe for Sydney as it offers many of the experiences that visitors are seeking; beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and world-class dining experiences.”

He said Perth’s Cottesloe Beach can go “toe-to-toe” with the famous Bondi Beach.

“Perth’s Cultural Center (with its Art Gallery of Western Australia) doubles nicely for Sydney’s Art Gallery of NSW, and for day trips, Perth’s Pinnacles in Nambung National Park serve as a mini-dupe for Sydney’s Blue Mountains,” he continued.

“Not to mention, the opportunity to watch the sun set over the ocean.”

Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tony McDonough

Global flight searches for Perth on Expedia have more than doubled this year compared to last year.

With direct flights available, the UK and Europe are driving demand, but international visitors are also coming from Asian destinations like Indonesia.

From July 12 this year Aussies will be able to fly direct from Perth to Paris in addition to Qantas’ two existing direct routes from Perth to London and Rome.

The new 17-hour flights will take off just in time for the European summer and Paris Olympics, with the opening ceremony on July 26.

“Naturally, those in transit are often choosing to stay on in Perth for a few nights and make the most of their layover, so accessibility from a number of major airports is certainly playing a factor in this increased interest,” Mr Finch said.

He said Perth was also part of a trend dubbed “tour tourism”.

Hotel and flight searches in the city increased by almost 135 per cent when Coldplay played two Australian-exclusive shows there this month.

Expedia hotel and flight searches for Perth increased by almost 135 per cent when Coldplay played exclusively at Optus Stadium this month. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Mr Finch said Perth playing host to global events was “putting the city on the map” for both domestic and international travellers.

He said with the increased cost of living, holiday-makers were encouraged to look outside their “tried and true favourites”.

“What’s positive about Perth as a holiday destination is that, while offering some great experiences, it also offers some affordable accommodation options,” he said. “Looking ahead to summer, the average accommodation rate for Perth is around $167 per night.”

Expedia’s 2024 destination dupes

• Taipei, Taiwan (dupe for Seoul)

• Pattaya, Thailand (dupe for Bangkok)

• Paros, Greece (dupe for Santorini)

• Curaçao (dupe for St. Martin)

• Perth, Australia (dupe for Sydney)

• Liverpool, England (dupe for London)

• Palermo, Italy (dupe for Lisbon)

• Quebec City, Canada (dupe for Geneva)

• Sapporo, Japan (dupe for Zermatt)

• Memphis, US (dupe for Nashville)