Broome revealed as top travel hotspot for 2021, beating Bali and Hawaii

Forget Sydney, the Gold Coast and even fan favourite Bali – according to this new data, another Aussie spot is where we all hope to visit in 2021.

Many of us are finally able to travel again after border closures and lockdown restrictions took holidays off the table in 2020.

Twelve months ago, things had been off to a promising start. At the beginning of 2020, despite bushfires and the initial rumbling of COVID-19, the domestic overnight tourism market showed considerable growth compared to 2019, with overnight spend up 6 per cent to $78.8 billion and overnight trips up 3 per cent to 112.3 million.

Although some of us are still limited in our ability to travel, domestic tourism has been returning to life. But forget typical overcrowded “hotspots” like Sydney, the Gold Coast and Melbourne – because new research shows all eyes – and search engines – have one place in common.

Broome.

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Not hard to see why Broome is the third most searched spot for 2021 holidays, according to Skyscanner. Picture: iStock

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In a recent study conducted by online travel platform Skyscanner, Broome has come in as the third most searched location by Australians for anywhere in the world. That means it’s more popular for possible holiday-makers than Sydney, Thailand and even Bali.

Speaking to news.com.au, senior director for APAC at Skyscanner Paul Whiteaway said 2021 interest was seeing a surge as domestic borders start to reopen and travel starts to feel achievable once again.

“Australia is a nation of travel lovers and whilst they haven’t been able to visit many of their best-loved destinations this year due to ongoing travel restrictions, we are seeing growing interest in 2021 searches and bookings,” he said.

“Postponed cultural events along with postponed holidays and pent-up wanderlust combine for an interesting year for Aussie travellers, with long-haul and regional travel destinations in the top 10 list, particularly in the height of the summer school holidays.

The food scene is also becoming a big attraction for the region. Picture: Julia Rau Photography

Cable Beach is a stunning spot to explore by air or by 4WD. Picture: Supplied

“Broome has shot up 15 places in the rankings compared to last year, suggesting Australians are keen to rediscover their own beautiful beaches in their own backyard, as it overtook Bali as the most booked beach destination.”

Broome has become a growing holiday hotspot for Western Australia, with passenger traffic on the Perth to Broome air route rating as the fastest growing in Australia for the 2018 financial year.

Publicity – as well as featuring heavily in Australian celebrity and influencer Instagram feeds – has helped focus travellers on the remote town.

Mr Whiteaway said Broome’s pristine and uncrowded beaches rated among the world’s best, and with overseas travel likely to remain off the cards well into 2021, the region’s outback meets tropical flair will see similar regions around the country soar in the next 12 months.

Broome’s pristine and uncrowded beaches rated among the world’s best.

“With restrictions in place across many parts of the world, the rules have an impact on where people choose and we are seeing people who are looking to get away respond to the shifting travel landscape,” he said.

The list showed that London was the most searched destination for 2021, while Tokyo came in at number two followed by Broome.

Bali was down two spots from 2019 at fourth position, while Sydney rounded out the top five most searched holiday spots for 2021.